Alumna returns to Bon Meade Elementary to inspire Third Graders with STEM Presentation

Bon Meade Elementary School recently had the privilege of welcoming back one of its former students, Madison Perrett (class of 2021), who is currently studying engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. The visit, which was part of the school's ongoing efforts to foster a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among its students, provided an exciting and educational experience for the third graders. 

The alumna, who had once walked the very halls of Bon Meade, now an engineering student at Pitt, returned to share her passion for chemistry and STEM with the students. During her visit, she, along with her peers - Meghan McGarry, Riley Bender, Ryan Schlipf, and Connor McCourt - presented a lively and informative session, sparking curiosity and excitement about the world of science. Their presentation covered the basic principles of chemistry, and she explained how the concepts they were learning in the classroom connected to real-world applications in engineering and technology. 

One of the highlights of the presentation was a hands-on STEM activity that the alumnus demonstrated how to make “elephant toothpaste” for the eager third graders. The activity allowed the students to engage directly with scientific principles, giving them the opportunity to experience chemistry in action. Through this interactive demonstration, the students were able to see firsthand how science is not just something learned from textbooks but something that can be fun, engaging, and part of their everyday lives.  

Teachers and staff at Bon Meade Elementary were thrilled with the alumnus’s return, especially because it highlighted the tangible connections between classroom learning and future career opportunities.

“We are so grateful to have our alumni come back and inspire our students,” said Mrs. Platt, a third-grade teacher at Bon Meade. “Seeing a former student return as a successful engineer shows our current students that hard work and curiosity can take them places. We hope this visit motivates them to keep exploring the world of STEM.” 

The visit also provided an opportunity for the third graders to ask questions, and the alumnus took the time to share insights into her own journey from Bon Meade Elementary to Pitt, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and a love for learning. 

As the students left the presentation, they were buzzing with excitement, eager to continue exploring science and discover more about the world around them. The event was a wonderful reminder of the impact that community involvement and alumni engagement can have on the lives of students, fostering both education and inspiration. Having students return to their roots is evidence that they have developed a love for learning and want to give back.