News Article Release

Midshipman Volunteers Expose Students to STEM

March 22, 2012

By MC2 Alexia Riveracorrea

A group of midshipmen from the Naval Academy’s Midshipmen Action Group spent spring break mentoring students at a school on the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Six volunteers, led by Midshipman 2nd Class Dustin Longhenry, used “STEM In a Box” to expose students to science, technology, engineering and math concepts in everyday life and generate interest in the sciences through hands-on experience.

“We were able to do experiments with the students and talk about the things we do and study at the academy,” said Longhenry, of Navarre, Fla. “We wanted to increase their awareness of college opportunities and help them realize that they have options.”

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation spans three counties that are among nation’s poorest. Young students there tend to lack the exposure to the sciences that their counterparts in other parts of the country may have.

“STEM In a Box” was designed and developed by Naval Academy mechanical engineering professor Angela Moran to help emphasize learning STEM though simple experiments and activities.

“The kids were very receptive,” said Longhenry. “They were enthusiastic and asked questions.”

The midshipmen volunteers stayed in the school dormitories where they were able to interact with the kids outside of the classroom, playing basketball and answering questions about their life at the Naval Academy and their future careers as officers.

They visited other schools in the area as well and made a trip to the Wounded Knee Museum, which chronicles the events leading to the Wounded Knee Massacre, the last large engagement between U.S. forces and Native Americans, in which 300 Lakota and Sioux were killed.

“This trip allowed us to volunteer, which is something important for all of us,” said Longhenry. “Professionally, it teaches adaptability - being able to get inside a culture that is not necessarily what you’re used to. It’s also good for your personal growth and to be able to help other people who are less fortunate than you.”