No matter a student’s pathway in the Academies of Racine (AoR), the final project for all seniors is the same: the senior capstone. It’s a comprehensive academic project where students apply the knowledge and skills they have gained to solve a real-world problem or issue and demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter and readiness for their next steps in life. It involves research, design, development, implementation and presentation. Here, we take a look at a stand-out project from each AoR high school. From a formal event to innovative technology solutions, these capstones embody the diversity and potential of the class of 2025 and beyond.
Academies of Racine - Case
Imagine transforming an everyday kitchen tool into a work of art, blending functionality with innovative design. That’s exactly what a team of more than a dozen students at Case High School is doing as they take on the challenge of creating a student-run company tasked with re-engineering the classic pepper mill.
The project came about thanks to Racine Unified School District’s partnership with Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC), which is serving as an angel investor to get the student’s company, ‘Eagle Manufacturing,’ up and running, and Fischer, a Racine-based company that specializes in manufacturing spindles and whose staff are helping to guide Eagle Manufacturing’s student-employees.
Eagle Manufacturing is made up of software developers from the school’s computer science pathway, engineers from the engineering pathway, a CEO, CFO, VP and General Manager from the business pathway and others. From designing the logo and website to refining the product’s design, each student contributes to the project.
“I’m learning to manage a team, meet deadlines and make decisions under pressure,” said Jayden George, Eagle Manufacturing’s CEO. Meanwhile, other students have had the opportunity to take on roles in areas like marketing, finance and manufacturing.
With weekly meetings with staff from Fischer, students have been working hard to perfect their design and prepare for production. Some students are working to earn the necessary certifications to run machinery at Fischer. Fischer has donated time and resources to help make the pepper mill a reality. Meanwhile, others are fine-tuning the prototype’s design after getting feedback from chefs, and working to cut manufacturing costs while maintaining the quality of the product. Their biggest challenges so far have been communicating with students across pathways and working out a good school/work/life balance, which, let’s face it, are all things adults tend to struggle with too.
Up next - the students will present their project to RAMAC’s board in April to see if they are interested in buying their product. If so, production will begin with next school year’s Eagle Manufacturing Class, leading to a sustainable business model. And from there, this real-world, hands-on experience might just launch the students into successful careers in product development and business management.
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Academies of Racine - Horlick
In recent years, drones have become so much more than just high-tech gadgets for photographers and hobbyists and are transforming industries across the globe. As for what’s next, the sky’s the limit for aviation students at Horlick High School where they are exploring new ways to help the environment, save lives and discover other potential applications for drones.
The group of senior aviation students was tasked with coming up with a new use for drones. As part of that project, the students recently visited Jellystone in Caledonia where they met with the folks behind Northern Lights Drone Shows. But the experience was about more than just designing, building and coordinating a drone show.
“The trip to Jellystone was very informative into the ways drones can be used in different career fields and gave me ideas of new ways they could be implemented into everyday use,” said senior Seth Bergman.
The hands-on experience provided students with the opportunity to work on a mix of skills that require technical expertise, creativity and real-world problem-solving. Coordinating a drone show requires the ability to operate and maintain drones, an understanding of drone mechanics and navigation systems, advanced programming skills, collaboration, communication and careful planning around weather conditions, FAA regulations and airspace restrictions.
The opportunity to practice these skills will help the aviation students fine-tune their capstone projects. Some of their bold, innovative ideas for using drones in real-world applications include designing a drone capable of cleaning the ocean or developing one that could rescue people from burning buildings.
These ambitious concepts push the boundaries of what drones can do and how they can change the world!
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Academies of Racine - Park
When it comes to real world experiences, the learning opportunities students in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) get are as close as it gets. That’s because JROTC units mirror the structure and rigor of the United States military, complete with a hierarchical structure, missions to complete, standards to meet and a chance to practice leadership under pressure. Park High School’s unit, one of only four active JROTC programs in the state of Wisconsin, boasts 124 cadets, and right now, they’re collectively focused on the Military Ball.
This formal rite of passage, scheduled for April 12, is not just a dance. It’s a meticulously planned operation and a testament to months of dedication by the Cadet Battalion Staff and Command. This leadership team is made up of cadets who have risen through the ranks, earning their positions through interviews, impeccable attendance, stellar GPAs and demonstrated leadership potential. And right now their mission is to transform a vision for a formal evening into reality, navigating the complexities of financing, vendor coordination and crafting an agenda that honors military tradition.
“By far the most challenging aspect has been the funding,” said Cadet Commander Eliana Rocha. “Really, the planning around the lack of it.”
“We have had to come up with some unique ways to raise the necessary funds,” said Rhea Haddock, Cadet Personnel Officer (S-1). “We’ve done some fundraisers and are selling some apparel with our unit emblem.”
But balancing the budget is just one part of the mission. The team’s S-2, Cadent Intelligence and Security Officer, assesses risks, monitors weather patterns and ensures the safety of all attendees. The Operations Officer (S-3) handles all the planning, preparation and training, while the Logistics Officer (S-4) manages the supply chain, from crisp uniforms to ceremonial flags. There’s also an S-5 who oversees marketing, public affairs and special projects, and an S-6, who is in charge of information and technology. Overseeing this symphony of roles are Cadet Commander Rocha, the highest-ranking officer, her Cadet Executive Officer, her right hand, and the Cadet Command Sergeant Major, the highest-ranking enlisted cadet.
The next step in their mission demands precision and poise. The leadership team will give all cadets crucial lessons in etiquette, formal attire and military protocol to ensure the evening not only meets Army standards but also instills a sense of pride and understanding of the traditions they uphold.
Then, it won’t be long before the cadets grab their plus one, step into Fountain Hall and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and celebration. At that point, it’s ‘mission complete.’
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