STRIDE 2025: Igniting Innovation for Middle School Success
This wasn’t just an event—it was a transformative journey designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and a deep passion for learning among final-year elementary students preparing to enter middle school.
Date, Time, and Venue
Date: April 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Transformer Street, NASPOLY, Lafia
Purpose and Vision
STRIDE 2025 was conceived with a clear purpose: to empower young scholars by immersing them in an environment where learning is interactive, innovative, and incredibly engaging. The event set out to dissolve the traditional boundaries of classroom education through hands-on STEM workshops, inspiring keynote sessions, and dynamic collaborative challenges—all aimed at nurturing a mindset geared toward success in middle school and beyond.
From the moment of guests arrival, the energy was contagious. The STEM workshops were a centerpiece of STRIDE 2025, where practical, hands-on experiments brought abstract scientific concepts to life.
Experiential Learning: Students eagerly participated in building Rechargeable Emergency Light, building Portfolio website, and tackling puzzles that required creative problem-solving.
Engagement at Every Turn: The interactive displays were not only visually appealing but also meticulously designed to encourage inquiry and exploration. I witnessed groups of students working together to troubleshoot experiments, demonstrating collaborative learning at its finest.
The keynote address was delivered by none other than Prof. Evans Egwim, the Director at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at FUT, Minna.
A Message That Resonated: Prof. Egwim’s talk focused on the transformative power of innovation in education. He shared not only his personal journey but also practical strategies for adopting a creative mindset that transcends traditional learning.
Memorable Moments: His dynamic presentation captivated everyone, particularly when he illustrated real-world applications of scientific discoveries and how these can empower the next generation. It left both students and educators buzzing with excitement long after the session ended.
Adding a spirited competitive element to the day were the creative challenges and competitions.
Team Spirit in Action: The atmosphere was one of enthusiastic rivalry as teams of students engaged in problem-solving contests that demanded quick thinking and teamwork.
Real-Time Learning: These activities served a dual purpose by not only challenging the students but also highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability. The thrill of the competitions was palpable, and witnessing the students’ perseverance was truly inspiring.
One of the day’s unique features was the Free Lunch Friday initiative.
Community Building Through Shared Meals: The complimentary lunch wasn’t just a break between sessions—it was a space for students, teachers, and parents to connect, share experiences, and build lasting memories in a relaxed, friendly environment.
The day’s success was echoed in the many enthusiastic comments shared by attendees:
A Student’s Excitement:
"I never knew learning could be so fun! The workshops made science feel like an adventure, and I can’t wait to try more experiments at school."
Teacher’s Reflection:
"It was inspiring to see the students engage so deeply with the activities. The blend of hands-on learning and motivational talks redefined what education can be beyond the classroom walls."
Parent’s Perspective:
"My child came home buzzing with new ideas and a renewed love for learning. The event truly made a difference in his outlook on school and future challenges."
Participation: Over 200 students, 50 educators, and numerous volunteers were part of this inspiring day.
Feedback: Surveys and real-time feedback indicated an overwhelming positive response, with many participants noting significant improvements in their confidence and understanding of STEM concepts.
High-resolution snapshots of interactive sessions, candid moments during group activities, and dynamic moments from the keynote address.
The activities and sessions at STRIDE 2025 have sown the seeds for a lasting impact:
Mindset Shift: The immersive learning environment cultivated a growth mindset among the students, encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities.
Enhanced Skills: Practical skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and scientific inquiry were markedly developed through the day’s diverse activities.
Future Readiness: Beyond immediate academic benefits, the event instilled a sense of confidence and a forward-thinking attitude that will serve the students in their subsequent educational journey.
The successes of STRIDE 2025 extend far beyond the event day:
Inspiration for Future Programs: The innovative formats and interactive strategies demonstrated at the event are set to inform the design of future educational initiatives.
Community Engagement: The robust participation from teachers, parents, and local community members has created a foundation for ongoing collaboration and support in educational ventures.
The success of STRIDE 2025 is a testament to the dedication of many:
Event Organizers and Volunteers: A heartfelt thank you to the Horizon Innovative Scholars Academy team whose meticulous planning and tireless efforts made this event possible.
Sponsors and Partners: Special recognition to the sponsors and educational partners who provided resources and support.
Speakers and Educators: Prof. Evans Egwim and all participating educators played pivotal roles in delivering content that truly resonated with the audience.
Families and Students: Finally, thank you to the students and their families for their enthusiastic participation and for creating an electrifying atmosphere that truly embodied the spirit of innovation.
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Join the Conversation: Share your stories and experiences from STRIDE 2025, fostering an ongoing dialogue about innovation in education. You can do that on any of our social media handles
Feedback and Inquiries: Provide suggestions for improveent, further engagement, ensuring that the momentum of the event carries forward into future endeavors.
Attending STRIDE 2025 was more than an experience—it was a journey into a world where learning is dynamic, inclusive, and relentlessly innovative. The day vividly demonstrated that when we blend inspiration with practical learning, the result is a generation of students who are not only prepared for the challenges of middle school but are also poised to become future leaders in science, technology, and beyond.
The lasting impact of STRIDE 2025 is evident in the renewed spark of curiosity observed among the students and the passionate discussions that continued long after the event concluded. This event wasn’t just a milestone for Horizon Innovative Scholars Academy; it was the beginning of a new chapter in educational innovation.
