Sonora Elementary School represented the Northwest Arkansas East initiative region April 26 in Little Rock for Arkansas STEM at the Capitol Day.
Arkansas STEM at the Capitol Day is a one-day, student-led advocacy event designed to highlight the importance of STEM education in Arkansas, according to an Arkansas STEM Coalition press release. Participating EAST students met with legislators to discuss their work, exhibited projects in the Rotunda and participated in a press conference.
“We got the chance to meet many of our state legislators, Secretary [Jacob] Oliva, Gov. [Sarah] Huckabee Sanders and had an extensive meeting with Sen. Josh Bryant,” said Josh Worthy, Sonora Elementary School EAST facilitator.
EAST is a statewide initiative that encourages students to use technology to meet needs they identify within their community.
Sonora students Abbey Ebey, Gunner Morin, Luis Herrera-Lemus and Sadie Grace Worthy were able to talk at length about their EAST experience and what they personally advocate for with the state leaders, he said.
“A special thank you to Rep. DeAnne Hodges for busting out a quick meet and greet itinerary on the fly,” Worthy said. “She was able to connect us with so many faces when the legislatures were shifting between committee meetings and general sessions of the House and Senate.”
Worthy also expressed his appreciation for representatives Robin Lundstrum, Steve Unger and Chad Puryea, who he said were very gracious with their time and have helped make EAST an important part of state school systems.
Other participating EAST programs included England High School (Central Region), Warren High School (Southeast Region), Jonesboro International Studies Magnet Elementary (Northeast Region) and Cossatot River High School (Southwest Region), according to the ccording to an Arkansas STEM Coalition press release.
