A story about an APS STEM learner
(Courtesy of the Devilstrip)
When world events and breaking news make the slide into cynicism so easy, how do you hang on to hope? For Sherry Hankinson, a language arts teacher at National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School, it’s simple: put your hope in the hands of Akron eighth-graders.
For one assignment, Hankinson asked her students what they could do to change the world.
Noah Smith wrote, “I can change the world if I make sure that others can change the world, too,” on a bright pink note card that later caught the eye of ArtsNow executive director Nicole Mullet who shared a photo of it online where the author’s collaborative spirit connected with some of the Akrongentsia.
“That was the first thing that popped in my mind,” Noah says. “I think it’s just cool to be that person who people can depend on.”
Helping others isn’t new to Noah. He volunteers on a monthly basis at the Akron Art Museum, his favorite place in downtown Akron. His favorite piece at the museum is “Man Eating Tree” by John Sokol.