The Math and Science Academy (MSA) club held its first meeting after lying dormant for a year on Dec. 8, 2025.
Prompted by the academy advisor, Allison Graves, MSA students gathered to plan events, including Open House and Academy Night, both city-wide events to promote the school, eventually forming the MSA club.
“I think organizations here are better when they are run by students because it represents student needs and helps students grow as leaders,” Graves said. “This club helps to steer the academy from a student’s perspective.”
For the past year, the club has lacked a sponsor, deeming it inactive. However, this school year, physics teacher Ryan Guenthner and algebra teacher Natalie Kasmarek took up the job.
“This space was created so you can get out of this academy what you are not already receiving,“ Guenthner said.
During the club’s first meeting, led by academy ambassadors Khabida Inniss and Mihika Sakharpe, the organization’s purpose was established, feedback on goals were received and the future steps were identified. On top of that, each committees’ leading officers introduced themselves along with the sponsors.
The club is separated into three distinct committees to efficiently deal with various tasks: academy ambassador, STEM enrichment and student relations. The Academy Ambassador Committee is responsible for advocating to potential students, the STEM Enrichment Committee focuses on expanding interest in the STEM fields and the Student Relations Committee is to spread awareness about the club.
“We are working on events to bring people to STEM and MSA. This includes things like tutoring and events and other activities for elementary schoolers to bring them to MSA,” MSA junior and student relations officer Quinn Jones said.
Inspired by the lecture series hosted by the club in the past, Cassi Terry and Smit Kothari, the STEM Enrichment officers, plan to bring back presentations by STEM professionals to inspire students particularly concerning their senior projects.
“In future meetings, I’m hoping to build an enriching, supportive and connected community within our club, and I hope to receive ideas on how to improve our club/MSA academy and give students the support they need,” junior and student relations officer Rachel Femi said.
The MSA club hopes to expand membership this year to promote their reestablishment at Ocean Lakes.
“MSA isn’t just an academy, but a place for students to stretch themselves and explore interests,” Cassi said.
