Talented Gulfport students learn about career options at girl-supported STEAM Day

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – It’s never too early to dream big.

That’s why 4th and 5th grade girls from Gulfport spent the day learning about the difference they can make in a career in science, technology, engineering, art or math.

“Girls can do anything they put their mind to – anyone can do it,” said fifth-grader Lilah Congleton.

Girl Power was the theme of STEAM Day. Girls from Pass Road Elementary hosted students from Central Elementary, West Elementary and 28th Street Elementary. Various mentors and experts provided information about career paths in the MINT sector.

They demonstrate their skills by building hummingbird nests and robots.

“I was the director and she was the builder. I had to build it first and really describe it in detail and tell her how to build it,” says Congleton.

When the hard work was done, they enjoyed tasting various herbal teas with a representative from Harrison County Soil and Water Conservation.

“I have family members who study STEM fields, but they are usually all men. And so these career fields are now open to women, because that just stimulates their interest and the urge to do what they love, but also include science,” says Dr. Mary Rogers of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

The girls dreamed of becoming pharmacists, lawyers or surgeons, but STEAM Day allowed them to explore other important careers.

“Our gifted children often think that you can only be successful if you are a doctor or lawyer. We want to introduce them to the different careers that exist,” says talented program teacher Melanie Davis.

“We’re really shaping our future, our jobs, what we want to be when we grow up,” said fifth-grader Kylie Pierre Louis.

And in the wise words of Genesis Gomez, a fourth-grader at Central Elementary, girls can do anything.

“Just follow your dreams, it doesn’t matter what they say,” she says.

Tomorrow, Pass Road Elementary will host the boys’ version of STEAM Day for gifted 4th and 5th grade boys from Gulfport.

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