For more information contact:
Emily Schiavoni
Family and Community Outreach Coordinator
eschiavoni@napsk12.org
(413) 776-1458
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DRURY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PRESENT GROUNDBREAKING PROJECT-BASED LEARNING WORK AT BABSON COLLEGE
North Adams, MA – Drury High School continues to shift the high school experience for their students by offering engaging and rigorous project-based units in more traditional areas of study. Five Drury students were recently selected to present their innovative project-based learning units at Babson College. Out of 53 schools and more than 5,800 students nationwide, Drury students stood out for their mastery of rigorous academic content and real-world application.
The students' presentations stemmed from Transformative Learning Experience (TLE) units implemented in Mark Brown’s Mathematical Thinking Algebra II course and Morgan Shafer’s Honors Biology course. These TLEs, developed by Springpoint, a nonprofit organization focused on transforming the high school experience, emphasize culturally responsive and purposeful learning. Drury High School has partnered with Springpoint since 2022 to ensure that students engage in relevant, real-world problem-solving experiences that go beyond traditional classroom instruction.
On January 14, 2025, three ninth-grade students – Anna Dean, Aura Potvin, and Vivian Vareschi – captivated an audience of educators from across the country with their presentation on genetic engineering. Their project focused on researching pollutants in the local Hoosic River, specifically PCBs, a legacy pollutant from the region’s industrial past. The students created a website to present their findings, which included the development of a biosensor to detect pollutants using a plasmid design and genetically modified E. coli.
Anna Dean shared how much she learned about the local environment and the history of the Sprague Electric Company’s impact on the Hoosic River. Aura Potvin explained the technical aspects of the biosensor and detailed the lab work conducted by the students. The three students fielded challenging questions from the audience with poise and confidence, demonstrating their deep understanding of the complex scientific concepts involved.
Reflecting on her experience, Vivian Vareschi remarked, “This unit has made me more interested in science and aware of the difference we can make in our own environment once we are aware of the issues.” The students’ presentation resonated with the audience, reinforcing the power of youth engagement in environmental stewardship. Their project was underscored by the poignant quote shared during the presentation: “The greatest threat to the planet is to believe someone else will save it.”
Two more students, Juniors Chandler Matney and Jocelyn Phelps also presented their work from the Hustle Economy unit, a TLE focused on understanding linear equations and inequalities through the creation of a profitable side hustle. Chandler’s project, Sole Revive, involved cleaning and customizing shoes with original artwork. His projections showed that the business would turn a profit within 4.5 months. Jocelyn Phelps developed a secondhand book resale business that relied on community donations, allowing for immediate profits.
Both Chandler and Jocelyn discussed the importance of understanding revenue constraints and realistic financial projections. Chandler shared his journey of revising his project to meet both his own and his teacher’s high standards. “I appreciated having the opportunity to have multiple attempts to show mastery. It really motivated me to perfect my project, especially once I knew I would be presenting it,” he said.
Jocelyn reflected on how the experience improved her communication skills and boosted her confidence. “Despite not being a fan of presenting, I would do it again because it was such a valuable experience. Even during class, the whole thing felt really community-driven and allowed both creative freedom and the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other,” she shared.
The presentations at Babson College affirmed the effectiveness of Drury High School’s ongoing shift toward project-based learning. Since 2023, the school has been working to implement more real-world learning experiences that connect rigorous academic standards with practical applications. The positive feedback from educators at the event reinforced the power of these approaches to deepen learning and build essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Morgan Shafer, one of the teachers leading the initiative, noted, “I learned with them and had to be willing and open to learning new things. It really helped me improve my own skills.”
Drury High School’s partnership with Springpoint, as well as Portrait of a Graduate, and their commitment to project-based learning are ensuring that students develop the skills they need to thrive in college, careers, and civic life. The opportunity for students to present at Babson College is a testament to their hard work and the school’s vision to transform education in meaningful ways.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Emily Schiavoni
Family and Community Outreach Coordinator
North Adams Public Schools
eschiavoni@napsk12.org
413-776-1458