Student Spotlight
Braydon Flores is a member of MQTT’s Science Olympiad team and believes it has been the best choice ever.
“I have a deep interest with STEM programs and Science Olympiad provided a way for me to do different projects and compete in a competition on things that interest me.”
This year, he took part in the categories of Mission Possible, Write it Do it, protein modeling, and herpetology at the Science Olympiad Competition. Flores has a passion for science that runs deeper than just Science Olympiad. He likes to study engineering and, more specifically, the aerospace field.
“I like to find practical ways to design and build things and also optimize systems to make them more efficient.”
Accordingly, his inspiration is Elon Musk, the founder of many companies including SpaceX and Tesla. What inspires him about Musk is that he had a rough beginning and a hard time starting his companies, but thanks to his hard work, they are some of the best in the world today. Flores’ favorite part of being a student at MQTT is the different opportunities for success and how he is challenged everyday to do better. Additionally he is a volunteer at Reins of Life and in his free time, enjoys building things and researching.
Teacher Spotlight
Mr. John Fettig is the Bill Nye of MQTT. This is his seventh year of teaching, and he teaches several different science classes. The part he loves most about science is that the world is always changing and that there is always something else to be discovered and learned-- he became a science teacher for that reason.
“I believe that every student should be given the greatest opportunity to learn and be successful. It is my personal goal to spark interest, passion, and curiosity that encourages my students to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams.”
Fettig is also the Science Olympiad coach here at MQTT. He was asked by a previous Biology teacher to be a co-coach, and the rest is history.
“I know and am able to teach almost every single student that goes through their four years here…Since I get to teach most of our freshmen when they come into MQTT, I love to see how much they grow and learn by the time they become seniors.”
Fettig’s inspiration also comes from the students he teaches. He is inspired by their immense passion, and because of this, he pushes himself to be a better teacher and mentor. When he is not at school, Fettig can be found at the beach. His hobby is collecting beach glass and Lake Michigan fossils.
What recently happened
The Science Olympiad team recently participated in two competitions. Science Olympiad is a meet between different area schools where students compete in 20 different science events.
“The competition is a great way to showcase your understanding of science and to also explore and learn more about specific science topics you are interested in,” Mr. Fettig said.
There are several members on the team including Christopher Huseman. Huseman participated in two events, Mouse Trap Car and Experimental Design, then helped with Mission Possible. Although he is a freshman at MQTT, this is his fourth year in Science Olympiad; he was on the team at his middle school, St. Patrick’s, for three years
“I have always liked building things and working with my hands,” Huseman said. “In the past, I have built a scrambler, which was a car that is supposed to be powered by gravity…”
Another member of the team is Mary Murphy. She took part in Chemistry Lab, Forensics, and Mission Possible.
“My favorite part was learning new things and spending the day with my friends,” Murphy said. “I didn’t win any medals, but my friends did. I hope to win some next year!”
What’s coming up
The MQTT spring musical is The Secret Garden directed by Mrs. Amy Crane. It is about a little girl named Mary whose parents died from cholera while living in India. She is taken to her uncle’s home in England where she grows up. With the help of Martha, Dickon, and Ben, who work at the home, she brings the house and its garden back to life. Mary Lennox, the lead role, is played by Molly Neary. This is her third high school production, and she is excited for everyone to see the show because of all the hard work the cast and crew have done. Javan’te Blakely plays Mary’s uncle.
“Without our director Mrs. Crane, I would have never thought that I could even sing in front of a crowd of people,” Blakely said. “Mrs. Crane just has the natural ability to work with students...and harness their talent to showcase them.”