Students, retirees and robotics team highlight Homestead programs at board meeting

Members of the Homestead delegation described a nine-day educational trip to Spain and a busy spring season for student activities at the MSD Southwest Allen County Schools board meeting.

During a presentations segment, teachers and 19 students summarized visits to Barcelona, Montserrat and Valencia, noting cultural and language-learning experiences. One student said the group visited the Sagrada Família and ‘‘you can pretty much see the whole of Barcelona from the top,’’ describing the stained-glass windows as a highlight. Students also reported touring markets, cooking paella in Valencia and sharing small mementos from the trip with board members.

The board recognized longtime counselor Catherine Lopez for nearly 28 years of service. Dr. St. John said Lopez ‘‘has supported, guided, and educated, and cared for thousands of students and families’’ and asked her to accept a certificate of appreciation.

Later, the Homestead robotics team presented season results. Student leaders Henry Bourne (systems), Kevin Estrada (developmental) and Charlie Rotondo (marketing) explained the team’s student-run model in FIRST Robotics. Students reported the team’s membership growth, improved competitive results and new local supports: ‘‘This year we ended up winning an entire competition,’’ one student said, and the team finished 21st in the state after moving up roughly 50 places from the prior year.

Team members thanked the district for a dedicated robotics room, shop space and Title IV assistance that helped with travel and equipment. Board members applauded the students’ achievements and the mentorship that supports the program.

The meetings’ student-focused presentations underscored the district’s extracurricular and international learning opportunities; board members repeatedly praised staff and chaperones for arranging travel and advising teams.