The Capstone Project at John Stark is defined as a student’s pursuit of new learning and working with a mentor as they explore new interests. It demonstrates the student’s ability to learn independently as well to demonstrate their college and career readiness. The project may be academic, totally hands-on, or a combination of the two. It is a graduation requirement at John Stark Regional High School. Capstone Projects are traditionally open to public display during EXPO but due to COVID-19, the event scheduled for May 14 could not be held. Student projects were evaluated remotely. Here are a few examples of Capstone Projects for 2020:
Chelsea Woodsum participated in a six-week job shadow at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home shadowing three different occupational therapists. She observed multiple residents in various conditions and learned about the different practices, techniques, and equipment that OT’s use daily. Chelsea plans to major in occupational therapy at Nazareth College.
Cabot Lineberry has played hockey all his life and knew his capstone would be hockey-related. He also knew he wanted to learn to use his hands to fix something. The project? Cabot built a patio table and two chairs out of hockey sticks using the metal frame from an old patio set for stability. Cabot says he learned a very important thing doing this project: do as much research as you can. He said he always referred back to his original research as the work progressed. Cabot plans to start an electrician apprenticeship.
Shelby Sizemore created and designed her own line of minimalist jewelry learning metalsmithing and how to solder sterling silver. “I put an emphasis on one thing: simplicity. I think subtle, classy jewelry can complement any outfit,” she said of her work. As a visual learner, Shelby watched several videos about soldering to help learn the craft. She also chose a knowledgeable mentor, Emily Grivois, who has been a silversmith for 20 years.
Cameron Doyle chose to design and build a desk for his younger sister so she would have a place to do her schoolwork, store art supplies, and use her laptop all while staying organized. He opted to ask his step-dad to be his mentor as he is always building something from wood. “Taking on this project myself with only his guidance was both exciting and daunting,” Cam said of his project. “Learning how to design something and then actually build it was a very big challenge and the idea of ‘measure twice and cut once’ was very important to learn and remember,” he continued.
John Stark music teacher Dan Williams oversaw the entire process as Capstone Coordinator this year. With the assistance and guidance of both assistant principals, Brian Emery and Laurel Dumont, and Principal Gary Dempsey, Williams had to create a new system during remote learning to evaluate the projects. During a two week window (May 11-22) students had their projects evaluated via video conference.
“When I took on the job of Capstone Coordinator, I couldn’t have possibly imagined what this year would’ve ended up like and how that would impact the entire Capstone process. I had to figure out a way to use existing technology to get the 100+ seniors who weren’t evaluated earlier in the year through the process remotely. That was a daunting task,” said Williams. “I am hopeful that next year I will have the task of planning a real Expo night, and hope that we can get over this bump in the road and get back to a more normal school year,” he concluded.