By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – Ten seniors from the Shrewsbury High School (SHS) inaugural Capstone Class of 2020 shared their Capstone projects in an exhibition in the school’s Media Center Jan. 10.
The class involved a select number of juniors and seniors who engaged in an independent project-based learning experience in an area of personal interest.
When asked about the origins of this class, teacher Liza Trombley said that it evolved from her desire to revive a defunct program called “Senior Exhibition.”
“Students start this in their junior year and they finish it in January of their senior year,” Trombley explained. “They put together a proposal and laid out a plan for what they wanted to do knowing that they had to bring it to fruition by January of their senior year.”
The exhibits included informational brochures, many were hands-on in nature and high-tech, and many came equipped with websites, videos or QRC codes.
Topics included “Therapy Dogs in the School System” by Colleen Keohane, “Organic Farming” by Samuel Moses, “An Exploration into the Creative Literary Process” by Sufana Noorwez, “Defining Difference” by Sophia Peng, “The Integrity of Diversity” by Sheila Sawyer, “Herpetology: Changing Perspectives” by Daniel Carroca, “PCOS Experience” by Anju Cheriyalay, “Video Game Design” by Jesse Golliher, “A Study on Accessible Pottery” by Dhiogo Machado and “Designs” by Shruthi Siva presented by Shruthi Sivasubramanian.
Carroca employed a real snake which he used to explain people’s phobias of snakes and how to get over them.
“I look at the different reasons why people are afraid of snakes. About of third of the people in the United States have a phobia,” he explained.
Shruthi showcased two formal gowns that she designed and sewed – one for a prom in the spring.
Dhiogo’s exhibit involved a live demonstration (at a potter’s wheel) while explaining his passion for pottery.
Anju Cheriyalay’s exhibit was personal. She shared her experiences with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. She wanted to find treatments to help her dramatic symptoms.
“Through my research, I was able to learn and connect with my body on a whole new level,” she stated in her brochure.
Many of the student’s projects will assist them in their future educational and career pursuits.
Photos/Melanie Petrucci