Future Is Bright -- Spaces4Learning

pK12

Future Is Bright

The passion and creativity of several students is proof that amazing things are going to happen.

By Deborah P. Moore
10/01/13

So often we hear about how our education system is failing, how we are not keeping pace with other countries, how our schools are putting the future of our country in jeopardy. All that I have to say to those who believe the hype is, you are wrong.

Last week at the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International (CEFPI) conference, I was fortunate enough to meet two high school students from Alaska, Ariel Hasse and Zachary Neubauer, who showed me just how bright our future can be. Ariel is currently a junior at Mat Su Career and Technical High School in Alaska. Zac, a high school senior, also attends the University of Alaska, Anchorage fulltime. Ariel and Zac presented their project called High School of the Future, a competition where students across the globe are asked to, “bring their own brand of creativity to the planning and design process” and design the dream high school of the future.

As they put it, “the story of High School of the Future begins with a group of dysfunctional, overly motivated students who decided to turn their summer into a memorable and exciting adventure.” Ariel had participated in CEFPI’s Middle School of the Future program, but winning that competition wasn’t enough — it ignited a passion. That, with the help of Zac, Courtney Monroe and a few friends, was the start of their own competition — High School of the Future. They developed the criteria for the competition, a website, futurehighschool.org/home.html, a video explaining the program, relationships with mentors and partnerships to help with funding the program.

It may have started as “their” project, but it is now open to high school students across the globe. In fact, they even suggested that the members of a team could be from different schools or even countries. Registration for their 2014 competition opened Sept. 20, with submissions due Feb. 7, 2014.

Meeting these students, listening to their thought process, and seeing what they accomplished was truly amazing. Many of those who saw their presentation asked the students if they were interested in coming to work for their company. For me, the question was… “can I come and work for you!” If students like this are our future, then the future is bright!

This article originally appeared in the School Planning & Management October 2013 issue of Spaces4Learning.

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.
Kenall Introduces Millenium Flair Series

In a move aimed at modernizing institutional lighting without compromising on durability or performance, Kenall has launched its new Millenium Flair series, according to the Kenall website.
FAU Starts Construction on Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building

Florida Atlantic University recently began construction on a new academic building for its campus in Boca Raton, Fla., according to university news. The Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building will stand two stories, measure in at 22,000 square feet, and play home to the university’s Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs.
Brightly Software, XOi Partner for New HVAC Data Solution

Siemens company Brightly Software recently announced a partnership with data intelligence company XOi to integrate real-time HVAC system data into Brightly’s Asset Essentials CMMS, according to a news release. The integration will allow facilities more insight into HVAC system performance, health, and risk across their operations.