DuVal High School Hosts Inaugural STEAM Ignition Event

Author:

Communications

Apr 10, 2026

Family and Community Student Success

^{Maker Faire winner Lydia Aluko, DuVal Junior}

DuVal High School brought energy, curiosity, and creativity to life with its very first STEAM Ignition Event—a vibrant celebration designed to spark innovation and hands-on learning across the student body.

On March 27, nearly 400 students in grades 9–12 filled the school gym—not for a typical assembly, but for an immersive experience where ideas took shape and imagination led the way. The event invited students to dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through interactive “Challenge Stations” that encouraged exploration and collaboration.

From building electric model cars to tackling engineering challenges with everyday materials, students rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Chemistry demonstrations bubbled with excitement, while robotics and drone activities showcased the future in motion. Everywhere you looked, students were experimenting, creating, and problem-solving together.

One of the standout moments was the judged Maker Faire, where 12 students presented original projects to their peers. Among them was junior Lydia Aluko from DuVal’s aeronautics program, who won 1st Place for her project that explored how nozzle exit diameter affects the performance of compressed air rockets.

“I picked my project because my brothers are really interested in rockets and I paired it with my interest in aeronautics,” Aluko shared. “This event is the most fun I've had with all the various students around our school actually coming in and learning how to build things. One of our math teachers is doing the Rubik's cube, the aerospace program is showing us how to build models using 3D printing, students are building stuff together as a group, and seeing how different airfoils affect things. Students who aren't in the specialized program should have the opportunity to show their own interest and passion for STEM.”

Dr. Felicia J. Martin, STEM Supervisor, and Donald Belle, Science Supervisor, shared their expertise as guest speakers and project judges. Behind the scenes, the event was powered by a dedicated team of staff, Student Government Association members, and the PTSA, with support from community sponsors including Ingrid Watson, President and CEO of PGCEDC, as well as the DuVal High School PTSA, Community School, and Engineering Tomorrow. For organizer and teacher Dr. Solomon Osofero, the goal was simple but powerful: make hands-on learning accessible to everyone.

“At DuVal, we have the aerospace program and those students get hands-on experiences to make stuff and to do stuff – it's the way most kids learn,” said Solomon Osofero, biology teacher and event organizer. “This event gives all of these students the same opportunity and inspires them to make stuff at home on their own – it doesn't have to be expensive. It's the innovation, the critical thinking that we want to inspire.”

The STEAM Ignition Event wasn’t just a one-day experience – it was a launchpad for curiosity, creativity, and the confidence to build something new.