Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 54
SHELTON’S INNOVATIVE CLUBS
At Shelton, there’s a club for just about every interest — and
then some. From creative outlets like the Creative Writing
Club and Podcasting Club to service and leadership groups
such as National Honor Society, Student Council and Shelton
Ambassadors, students have endless opportunities to get
involved, connect with friends and explore what they love.
The following highlights three innovative clubs that capture
the spirit of Shelton — where creativity, teamwork and
forward thinking come together in new and exciting ways.
Shelton Junior Jenah Ramji Launched HOSA —
Future Health Professionals Chapter
When Jenah Ramji was in middle school, she discovered
HOSA–Future Health Professionals while preparing for
the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair. By the
time she reached high school, she knew the international
organization could help her pursue her dream of becoming a
cardiothoracic anesthesiologist.
Since Shelton didn’t have a HOSA chapter, Jenah decided
to start one. As a freshman, she researched the process
and asked her biology teacher, Meredith Moody, to be the
faculty sponsor. “Ms. Moody is such a kind person,” Jenah
said. “We share a profound interest in science. She was
enthusiastic about helping me meet my goal of starting a
HOSA chapter at Shelton.”
After Jenah’s proposal was approved, she promoted the club
with posters and word of mouth. About 15 students attended
the first meeting in February 2024; today, membership has
grown to 35.
HOSA, founded in 1975, is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education and the Department of Health
and Human Services. Its mission is “to empower HOSA–
Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global
health community, through education, collaboration and
experience.”
The Shelton chapter meets on Fridays. As president, Jenah
plans meetings that include hands-on workshops — from
taking vitals to suturing — and guest speakers such as
doctors and medical students.
“When I was in middle school, I thought the high schoolers
I observed preparing for HOSA competitions were so
inspiring,”
Jenah said. “I
wanted to share
that with the
community at
my school and
help immerse
them into
healthcare.”
— Nicki Cooper
52
NOVEMBER 2025
THE HORIZON
SHELTON SCHOOL
Shelton Middle School
Students Pursue LEGO
Robotics
During the 2024–2025
school year, Shelton
Middle School students
took their passion for
LEGOs to the next level
through the after-school LEGO Robotics Club. The hands-on
program combined STEM, coding and teamwork as students
designed, built and programmed robots using LEGO bricks,
motors, sensors and controllers.
Coaches Lexi Rix and Brittany Jones led the club, which met
Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the fall
and on Mondays in the spring. The coaches guided students
as they developed problem-solving, collaboration and what
Coach Jones called an “innovation mindset” — a focus on
improvement through testing and iteration.
The year’s theme, SUBMERGE, challenged students to create
underwater robots. Team Shelton designed a mini-submarine
called The Foot-Long Submarine, featuring AI-assisted
navigation, GPS and sonar. At their December competition,
students demonstrated coding skills, mechanical design and
teamwork.
Success in LEGO Robotics wasn’t just about winning. “I love
the leadership opportunity,” said eighth-grader Maren Price,
a four-year club member. “LEGO Robotics has taught me
how to deal with pressure and make sure everyone works
well together.”
— Angelo Piersanti
Shelton Esports Players Compete,
Connect and Collaborate
The Shelton Esports Club continues to grow as Middle
and Upper School gamers compete in organized, fast-paced
video game tournaments after school. Sponsored by
Corey Smith, computer systems specialist, and Kyle Belz,
digital communications manager, the club meets Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Students use state-of-the-art computers and Nintendo
Switches to play Fortnite, League of Legends, Rocket
League, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. They compete
weekly as individuals or in teams, building communication,
focus and teamwork skills along the way.
Several members hope
to qualify for state
competitions and earn
college scholarships.
Whatever their goals, the
players share an enthusiasm
that fills Shelton’s esports
space with energy — and
lightning-fast reflexes —
every match day.
— Angelo Piersanti
