This year, 2025, marks the 250th year anniversary of Lexington being founded as a city. In celebration of this event, STEAM Academy has decided to partner with 250LEX and host an event at the school on December 9th.
In preparation for the event, STEAM hosted an all school assembly to communicate what 250Lex is and what the school is doing to celebrate. The current co-chair of the 250Lex Commission, Eunice Beatty, made an appearance at the assembly to speak about how 250Lex involves everyone in Lexington. “You are now, and you are our future,” Dr. Beatty stated. She explained that we as young Lexingtonians are the future of Lexington. “We want to know what you think Lexington should look like and be.” Dr. Beatty expressed her involvement in the community and how she’s very passionate about high school student outreach in the Lexington community. “We are looking forward to 250Lex to share an evening of tomorrow with you on December 9th.”
During the assembly, not only did Eunice Beatty speak, but many current teachers from STEAM spoke to the purpose of such an event. Jordan Manley, the current health and P.E teacher, began by talking about the six STEAM habits and their importance to our future. Mr. Manley made the claim that civic engagement is extremely important no matter what it looks like. He stated, “you don’t have to be the mayor, you don’t have to serve on city counsel, you don’t have to run for state representative to be engaged to use your voice, to advocate, to vote, to make sure your community reflects the values that you, your family and your friends have.” He says that the point of this event is to prepare this generation of students for their future and what they are learning now at STEAM will forever be helpful for themselves and their community. Mr. Manley finishes by stating, “this event is a massive push for civic engagement.”
Amy Schwarz, an English teacher at STEAM, was another speaker during the assembly. She talked about how important it is for students to raise their voice and change the direction of the conversation in a positive way. She stated that, “this is the opportunity to be part of something that exemplifies all of us as a group.” She encouraged all voices, large and small to get involved and speak.
Marty Vaughan, an English and Journalism teacher at STEAM, made a point to explain the timeline of the day, which will include a safe space for anyone who would like to stay after school and work on their presentations, tune their instrument, or prepare for the evening. He calls this a “pre-party” and plans to work with the PTSA, who will provide pizza and Fifth Third Bank agreed to provide drinks and snacks. Vaughan joked, “we all know the way to your hearts is through your stomach.”
Nearing the end of the assembly, Dr. Flores, the Principal at STEAM, was the final speaker of the event. He gives a huge shout of gratitude to the teachers, Coach Vaughan, and the students for taking the lead on this project and running with it. The 250LEX collaboration is the first large school-wide event that STEAM has done in many years and Dr. Flores states, “my hope when you leave us, this is one of those things that you will remember about STEAM.” He is excited that important members of the community such as the Mayor and the Superintendent will be attending this event and the students will have the opportunity to interact with them.
Coach Vaughan’s Journalism class will play a large role in planning this event. Students have begun to speak with and interview people in the 250LEX community, and have created a website for the event. Check out more at www.250lexatsteam.com.
