“Never see a need without trying to do something about it. ”
–Blessed Mary Mackillop
Saint Ambrose School’s 8th grade, student Ben D. noticed health care professionals were having to wear masks for long hours in the day, he realized there was a way he could use his talents from home with the 3D printer that he built from scratch last year. He worked with one of his teachers, Mrs. Amy Morgan, Saint Ambrose School’s Technology Director, and they collaborated to set up a plan to produce mask bands on his 3D printer as well as the school’s 3D printer donated by their partner in education, Padua Franciscan High School. Ben and Mrs. Morgan are now printing mask bands daily on the 3D printers. These bands are used by healthcare professionals to hold masks in place for long periods of time.
Ben’s family and Mrs. Morgan’s family began to reach out and found there was a need for these mask bands in the community, and have so far provided dozens and dozens to the local health departments, and hospital employees from Southwest Hospital, to the Cleveland Clinic Oncology team and others as far as New York and Florida.
“It was a way for me to get involved and help frontline workers from home. I enjoy building and designing things on my 3D printer and am happy to help and fill a need“- shared Ben, humbly. Both Ben and Mrs. Amy Morgan are using supplies generously donated by the school and Saint Ambrose School families. At Saint Ambrose School, the first STEAM school in Ohio, students are challenged each and every day to innovate and R.E.A.C.H.,our growth mindset acronym that stands for Resilient, Empowered, Accurate, Creative, Harmonious. Exemplar faculty and staff provide an educational environment in which students collaborate and are encouraged to think critically to solve real world problems.
Principal Lisa Cinadr said, “I am so proud of Ben, Mrs. Morgan, our students and faculty. This is a tremendous example of our school’s mission in action. Our STEM/STEAM identity is guided by the following: ‘Saint Ambrose School educators and students are innovative leaders using their faith, skills, talents and knowledge to solve humanitarian and technological issues affecting our world.’ Ben’s deeply thoughtful and creative use of his God-given gifts and talents during this time at home is inspiring for all of us.”
We are so proud of our students and families as they also R.E.A.C.H. to conquer this setback and thrive within it. This is just one example of the many ways our families are working hard and sharing the light of Christ and signs of hope to others. We are very grateful to one of our partners in education, Padua Franciscan High School, for their donation to our school that has become even more meaningful now that it is helping us to produce a larger volume of mask bands for those who need them most.
We want to help! Please contact Amy Morgan at AMorgan@StASchool.us for more information.
We continue to pray each day for all healthcare workers, first responders, clergy and all affected by this virus.
