Holland, Mich.-- The 2013-2014 seniors of Holland New Tech have been diligently working on their Capstone class this school year. It is Holland New Tech’s first year offering this class for seniors, as they are the first ever senior class to graduate from the school.
Capstone is a required class for students who attend New Tech. Students choose a project that is unique, and related to their career choice or career goals. The class is to be taken during students’ senior year of high school. Most of the time spent working on the project will be out of class. The project must answer a question, focus on an emerging trend, or solve an industry-based problem. Also, students must work with a community partner, so that they may guide them.
Ms. DeYoung, a teacher at Holland New Tech who teaches the Capstone class, says, “Capstone is required because it represents a culminating experience and allows you to aggregate skills and knowledge, and do something more personal with it.”She suggested that Capstone is an opportunity for the seniors to reflect on the skills that they have gained throughout their high school years. Furthermore, she says it gives the seniors, “an opportunity to design and execute specific projects related to their own passion.” Capstone is also a chance for them to show off their skills to community members.
Capstone also focuses heavily on the college admissions process and financial aid process. The seniors work on college reading, writing, and presentation skills.
“The Capstone class has been a challenge for the seniors this year,” stated Ms. DeYoung. Laura Doumerc admitted she felt, “Nervous. Really nervous,”when she was asked about being one of the first students to take the class. Capstone is just a few months away from ending. Students are continually working on their projects and will showcase them in May. Projects will be shared with their community partners, as well as students and teachers at the school.
