BLOOMDALE — Elmwood Local Schools been recognized as a 2022-23 Project Lead the Way Distinguished School.
It is one of 262 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW’s computer science, engineering, and biomedical pathways.
“We are extremely proud of the engineering program at Elmwood High School. Not only is our program one of the most popular in our school, but it is preparing our students with career opportunities after graduation in the engineering field,” said high school Principal Ty Traxler. “Mr. Poffenbaugh has developed a program that is state and nationally recognized and we are thrilled with his efforts.
Elmwood started implementing the PLTW curriculum in the middle school in 2010 and in the high school in 2011. All the middle school and high school courses are taught by Eric Poffenbaugh.
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in more than 12,200 schools across the U.S.
Both the high school and middle school at Elmwood were recognized for the 2022-23 school year. The middle school is only on of 17 school in the state of Ohio to earn the recognition. It is their fifth consecutive school year earning the honor. The high school is also one of 17 schools in Ohio to earn the recognition. The high school has earned the recognition for three consecutive years.
PLTW engineering empowers high school and middle school students to step into the role of an engineer and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Students engage in collaborative, real-life activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, and exploring algae as a biofuel source.
Since 2013 the Elmwood engineering program has sent multiple students onto college all across the country in the field of engineering.
This year’s graduating class has five members committed to various schools in engineering fields: Aiden Frankfather will be going to the University of Toledo and majoring in mechanical engineering, Anthony Veryser will be going to the University of Toledo and majoring in civil engineering, Jackson Childress will be going to Hillsdale College in Michigan and majoring in engineering technologies, Gavin Gostnell will be going to Terra State Community College and majoring in mechanical engineering, and Allen Sterling will be going to Owens Community College and majoring in electrical engineering.
“We are proud to recognize Elmwood for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said David Dimmett, PLTW president and CEO. “We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their important work empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also more generally in life and career.”
