Early College Students Win at NABSE

Early College Students Win at NABSE Competition
Posted on 11/14/2019
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Early College Students Win at NABSE Competition 

Six DeSoto Early College High School (ECHS) students placed first in the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) Youth STEM Symposium on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Held at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, TX, the students experienced a STEM Careers College Walk, engaged with a professional panel, and competed in a design challenged entitled, “I Am NABSE, I Am STEM.”

During the challenge, participants were responsible for creating a video that highlights STEM education, informs on workforce statistics, and promotes African-American influences in STEM careers. DeSoto ECHS students exceeded expectations by creating a four-minute video that involved extensive research and purposeful collaboration. 

The students that competed on the winning team included:  Olivia Boyd, Cheyne Foster, Kaylee Foust, Pharoah Frazier, Eduardo Nava and Cedric Roberson. “The competition was exciting and competitive,” said ninth grader Roberson. “Usually I play a limited role in collaborative groups, but today, I helped lead my group in researching necessary information.”  Roberson also shared that he felt confident and prepared for the competition thanks to the knowledge he has received in his early college courses at DeSoto High School.

The same sentiments are shared by Dr. LaBotta Taylor, principal at ECHS, as she believes the early college program prepares students for various scenarios that readies them for college and beyond. “Winning this title confirms that ECHS students are able to apply knowledge, create prototypes, and compete with students throughout the nation, “says Taylor. “We continue to exude excellence as we represent DeSoto ISD.”