This week, eighth grade students shared the culmination of a year of exploration, creativity, and independent work through their “Passion Projects.” Students presented their projects during the school day for peers and teachers, and again in an evening showcase for families and friends.
Individually chosen by each student, and guided by adult mentors, these yearlong independent studies invited students to pursue topics of personal interest while building essential skills in research, organization, problem-solving, and public presentation. The results reflected not only sustained effort and discipline, but also curiosity, individuality, and genuine engagement with meaningful work.
Across a wide range of topics — from engineering to culinary arts, textiles, and community service — students demonstrated thoughtful inquiry and hands-on learning. Each project represented a unique journey shaped by student initiative and supported by mentor guidance along the way.
Learning Through Independent Inquiry
The Passion Projects are designed to help students take ownership of their learning while developing the confidence to explore complex questions and creative ideas over time. Throughout the year, students met regularly with mentors, set goals, navigated challenges, and refined their work in preparation for this culminating presentation.
The showcase offered a meaningful opportunity for students to share not only what they created, but what they learned about perseverance, planning, and following through on long-term commitments.
Student Projects
- Cole Hubbard – Chicken Coop Updates and Automation
- Makayah Essary – Baking and the History of the Cupcake
- Holden Rader – Wooden Skis and the History of Skiing
- Darby Conboy – Volunteering with the CASPCA
- Josephine Wright – Making a Dress
- Willow Polson – The Virginia Prison Birth Project
- Ethan Kenney – Welding a Gravity Table
- Micah Woody – Crochet for the PICU
- Lula Jacobs – Cooking
Mentors and Community Support
We are deeply grateful to the mentors who supported each student throughout this process. Their time, encouragement, and expertise helped students refine their ideas, overcome challenges, and bring their projects to life. This collaboration between students and mentors is a meaningful part of the Passion Projects experience and reflects the broader learning community that surrounds our students.
Celebrating Student Work
We extend our congratulations to the eighth grade on their thoughtful, creative, and well-executed presentations. The Passion Projects showcase is a celebration of student voice, sustained effort, and the many different ways learning can take shape when students are given time, trust, and support to pursue their interests.
