Building the Future: South Huntington Students Show Off Tech Creations

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Conference rooms at the South Huntington School District’s administrative offices were transformed into mini tech labs on Feb. 5 as students from all seven district schools gathered for the district’s first Technology and Innovation Showcase.

Tables were filled with Legos, robots, 3D printers, Chromebooks and student-built inventions, offering visitors a hands-on look at how technology is being used in classrooms from kindergarten through high school. More than a traditional science fair, the event focused on creativity, engineering and digital literacy — whether “low-tech” or “high-tech.”

South Huntington Supervisor of Educational Technology Dr. Marlee Rice organized the showcase to highlight work that often happens behind the scenes in classrooms.

“We wanted an opportunity for students to show the fun things that they're doing with technology in the classroom and show what students can learn starting in kindergarten,” Rice said. “So much is happening behind the scenes, and we want an opportunity for students to learn about technology. But ultimately, let's use technology to create a more equitable learning environment and really just kind of shine a light on the area.”

Teachers at each school nominated up to 10 students who demonstrated creativity, engineering skills, or digital literacy. Projects ranged from Lego builds and recycled-cardboard skill games to coding, podcasting, and 3D-printed designs.

Among the student creators was Jackson, a fifth grader from Maplewood Intermediate School, who enjoys designing figures for 3D printing. Inspired by the popular “six-seven” meme, he created a “67” character featuring the familiar balancing hand gesture and printed multiple copies as holiday gifts for friends.

Mari Hahn, the district’s supervisor of data and STEAM initiatives, described herself as a “science geek” and said technology opens doors for students with a wide range of interests.

“You can apply this to a literature piece that you really love, or doing a podcast on the environment,” Hahn said. “I've seen so many amazing things here that I wouldn't see in a science classroom. And so it just broadens everything and opens it up to anybody who wants to get involved and who has a passion.”

At Walt Whitman High School, senior Enoch Lawrence Adjahoe showcased an ambitious aviation-focused project. As part of the school’s science research program and computer science engineering class, he is working on designing an electric aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing.

“Basically it's a plane that takes off and then flies away using energy collection. It can take off anywhere in the world, no runway needed,” Adjahoe said, noting that 3D printing has helped him create parts for testing and refinement. He added that he was impressed by the sophistication of projects created by younger students.

Hahn said the cross-grade interaction was one of the most rewarding aspects of the event.

“We want kids getting inspired by each other,” she said. “For the older kids they're seeing what the little guys can do now, and for the little guys it's just so exciting to see what their future is.”

While many students are enthusiastic about technology — including artificial intelligence tools — educators acknowledged that some parents have concerns about its impact on academics and social development. District staff said the showcase served as a way to keep families informed and engaged.

Janine D’Elia, an educational technology teacher at Maplewood Intermediate School, said AI literacy is becoming an essential life skill.

“AI can help with productivity, help with design, help with digital content,” D’Elia said. “AI literacy is going to be one of the skills that our students will have to have on their resume when they're ready to go into whatever job or college. Showcasing it and showing them how it's useful and beneficial doesn't take away from their learning. It's taking their brain and the AI bringing it together.”

Hahn added that balance remains important, emphasizing that traditional communication methods still have value.

“There are times when you just need to send a paper explanation home in a backpack,” she said. “Parents are overwhelmed with getting messages all the time. We need to have kids talking to their parents. We need to be talking to parents. We need to meet parents where they are.”