Jefferson Elementary launches 2025-26 STEM ambassadors

Pictured is Easton Braddock, 6th grade STEM Ambassador at Jefferson Elementary. Photo provided.
News Release

WARSAW — Jefferson Elementary has announced its 2025–26 STEM Ambassador program, where 5th- and 6th-grade student leaders are stepping up as environmental stewards and mentors for younger students.

Last week, Jefferson’s STEM Ambassadors participated in a special training at Cherry Creek with Indiana Master Naturalist Chuck Harvuot. Students learned about water quality testing, stream health, and pollution factors while exploring the creek and identifying wildlife. During the session, Ambassadors discovered crayfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish and dragonflies.

The ambassadors were either nominated by their teachers or selected by Harvuot based on their participation and excitement during previous creek activities. Harvuot shared, “We’re using STEM Ambassadors to not only increase their knowledge about water quality, but also to enable them to help teach younger students about water quality.”

Starting this week, Jefferson’s STEM ambassadors will guide 2nd- and 4th-grade classes through hands-on creek activities, which will occur at least two more times this year.  They will help with stations, assisting with waders, conduct chemical testing and modeling leadership skills.