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Indian Hill High School ‘Distinguished’ STEM program
Indian Hill High SchoolIndian Hill High School (IHHS) is a learning institution dedicated to “empowering students to thrive in an evolving world and achieving exemplary results” – so says Project Lead The Way (PLTW) – a national organization that provides programs in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW designated Indian Hill High School as a 2019-2020 Distinguished School.

“The designation recognizes the Indian Hill School District’s commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in the PLTW program, which is centered on hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM),” said IHHS PLTW Teacher Myrtis Smith, who manages the program in partnership with Great Oaks. “I am most excited about seeing student interest in STEM grow. I love watching a student go from no knowledge of engineering to hearing them talk about how they can positively impact the world through an engineering field.”

Indian Hill High School is one of 143 PLTW high school programs across the country to receive recognition this year. Smith said the distinction recognizes how special it is that Indian Hill High School has a complete engineering program.

“It’s not just a single class that you can take as an elective your junior or senior year,” explained Smith. “It is a four-year program that teaches design skills, programming, CAD modeling, and electronics. It is also not limited to theoretical or computer modeling; we build functioning prototypes including gliders, robots, small electronics, hydraulic lifts, and more.
 
“We use some of the same programs and equipment being used at colleges and within industry. Our students have access to educational resources that few students experience in high school.”

“Myrtis Smith is simply exceptional, and we appreciate all of the hard work she puts forth each day to help our Braves grow,” said Indian Hill High School Principal Jeff Damadeo. “Each and every day, Mrs. Smith creates meaningful and unique experiences that are rooted in real-world settings and further cultivate the essential skills needed for the future. We are proud to offer these experiences that are uniquely Indian Hill to our students.”

Photo caption: Project Lead The Way recognized Indian Hill High School as one of 143 high schools in the nation as “Distinguished” for empowering students to thrive in STEM studies.