KAMSC - Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center

✨ KAMSC students are more than smart; they are storytellers, performers, creators, and thinkers. 🎭

Recently, members of the KAMSC community had the opportunity to experience *Providence*, an original production written and directed by KAMSC senior, and now graduate, Simon Beougher (LNHS). The play continued from ideas introduced in last year's play, exploring Galileo's challenges with the Roman Catholic Church while developing and writing his groundbreaking opus “A Dialogue Between the Two Chief World Systems.” It was an intriguing blend of history, science, philosophy, and theater into a thoughtful and engaging performance.

Featuring Gabriel Cox (PCHS) as Galileo and Simon Beougher as Father Francisco Francois, along with a talented cast and crew of KAMSC juniors and seniors, the production showcased creativity, collaboration, and lots of hard work. From strong performances to smooth scene transitions and even an impressive duel sequence at the climax of the story, the production highlighted the incredible talent within our community.

At KAMSC, we love celebrating moments like these; where students pursue passions, take creative risks, and remind us that STEM and the arts are not opposites, but powerful partners. Congratulations to Simon and Gabe (both of whom Mr. Sinclair expects to continue their journeys in theater in college and beyond), as well as the entire cast and crew on an incredible production! 💙

💙 Celebrating the KAMSC Class of 2026! 🎓

Our annual Senior Recognition Ceremony was a wonderful evening filled with reflection, celebration, and community. The night began with performances from five talented student musicians as families, friends, and staff gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the KAMSC Class of 2026. After opening remarks from KAMSC Director Mrs. Kortlandt, keynote speaker Dr. Shikha Jain (KAMSC Class of 1999), and senior speakers Rinzel Arroyo and Aanya Goel provided reflective stories, insight, and motivation to propel the graduates forward into the future. Student Senate co-presidents Hayden Clack and Adelie Chen, presented the senior class gift, as a sign of their gratitude and to leave their legacy at KAMSC.

We were also honored to welcome Dr. Sarah Neumann, Superintendent of Parchment Public Schools, who shared remarks before assisting with the presentation of KAMSC certificates. The evening concluded with the senior slideshow, countless photos, hugs, and refreshments. It was one final opportunity to celebrate this remarkable class together as a community. While it was a late night, it was also filled with joy, pride, and gratitude.

KAMSC Class of 2026, we are so proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see where your journeys lead next. Don't forget to visit us on Alumni Day, Friday, December 18th 2026!✨

💡 Innovation Meets Problem-Solving at KAMSC! 🖨️

Students in Mrs. McCarthy’s Information Technology course are tackling authentic, real-world problems through engineering and design. Working individually or in small teams, students identified everyday challenges - from organizing backpacks and locating lost gaming controllers to improving testing integrity - and are now designing creative solutions.

Last week, students were joined by Mr. Tyler Cross, Additive Designer at Stryker, who introduced them to additive manufacturing and the design considerations involved in 3D printing. This week, students are refining their designs before Mr. Cross returns to provide professional feedback ahead of next week’s prototype printing. They will share their designs and prototypes through Shark Tank style pitches before the end of the school year!

Experiences like this highlight the power of Opportunity and Excellence at KAMSC, giving students the chance to collaborate with industry professionals while applying creativity, engineering, and problem-solving skills to meaningful challenges. We cannot wait to see these ideas come to life on the KAMSC 3D printers! 💙

Could not have said it better ourselves! Thank you for hosting as always Wolf Lake staff!

🛠️ Innovation in Action at KAMSC! 🌱

KAMSC students Dharshna Chandra Mouleeswaran (11, PCHS) and Seneli Amaratunga (11, PCHS) recently competed at the Michigan Invention Convention at the The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Their project, focused on developing a plant-based antibacterial eutectogel for a sustainable wound dressing, earned:
🏆 1st Place (Grades 9–12)
🏅 Best Testing & Refining Award

Even more exciting; they have qualified for Nationals, taking place June 3–5 in Detroit!

The Invention Convention U.S. Nationals celebrates student innovation, problem-solving, and real-world impact, making it a natural fit for KAMSC’s focus on Research, Opportunity, and Excellence. This was KAMSC’s first year participating, and based on this success, we are excited to continue growing opportunities for students to share their ideas on this stage.
🔗 Learn more about the program: https://inventionconvention.org

We are proud of Seneli and Dharshna for their creativity, persistence, and meaningful work. Best of luck at Nationals! 💙

🏥KAMSC HOSA Shines at State Leadership Conference! 🏆

KAMSC students made an incredible showing at the HOSA State Leadership Conference, representing our program with excellence, professionalism, and heart. This year, 45 students competed across 24 different events, with representation from all grade levels - 11 seniors, 14 juniors, 17 sophomores, and 3 freshmen. Of those competitors, 21 students were State Finalists, placing in the Top 8 of their respective categories!

A special congratulations to our medalists, who have qualified for the International Leadership Conference this summer: 🌟

🥇 Adelie Chen (12, PCHS)– Healthcare Administration (1st)
🥇 Janelle Yao (12, PCHS) – Job Seeking Skills (1st)
🥉 Claire Yuan (10, PCHS) – Medical Law and Ethics (3rd)
🥉 Lillian Harthorn (10, LNHS) – Respiratory Therapy (3rd)

We also want to recognize Seneli Amaratunga (11, PCHS), who campaigned for State Officer and brought KAMSC energy and leadership to thousands of students across Michigan.

Experiences like HOSA reflect the CORE of KAMSC as students challenge themselves, support one another, and grow as future leaders in healthcare and beyond. A huge thank you to the KAMSC Alumni Association for helping make this experience financially possible for our students, and our two fantastic teacher advisors, Mrs. Chapoton and Mrs. Witt-Thomas. Your continued support creates meaningful opportunities that make a lasting impact. 💙

💡 Innovation on the Move at KAMSC! 🚌

Students in Mrs. Witt-Thomas's Materials Science course took their learning beyond the classroom last week during Lab Day with the KRESA Career Connect bus, and got a hands-on look at what it takes to turn ideas into real-world solutions.

Working in teams, students applied the 5 Cs of Employability, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication, Creation, and Compassion, to design solutions to everyday problems. From a trolley system (Citi Connect) to a time management app (Time Wise) and even a countdown traffic light (Timely Traffic), creativity was on full display! Students went beyond the idea stage, developing business plans, considering automation and coding, incorporating empathy, designing logos, laser engraving business cards, and delivering polished 3-minute pitch presentations.

Opportunities like this highlight the power of Community and Opportunity at KAMSC; where students build real-world skills, think creatively, and learn by doing.

Thank you to our partners at Kalamazoo RESA and Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect for an incredible experience! 💙

☀️ KAMSC Sizzlin’ Summer Registration OPEN 🔬

Looking for a summer experience that blends fun, curiosity, and hands-on learning? KAMSC’s Sizzlin’ Summer program is open to students across the Kalamazoo community (going into grades 1–12) - and it is anything but ordinary. From full-day STEM camps to shorter 1-3 hour weekly classes, students will explore, experiment, create, and collaborate through topics like forensic science, biology, filmmaking, chemistry, and more. Whether your student loves to build, investigate, or just try something new, there is something for everyone. 💙

📅 Programs run July through early August
📍 Hosted at KAMSC
🎟️ Registration is open now (and classes fill quickly!)

🔗 Learn more and register:
https://kamsc.kalamazoopublicschools.com/sizzlin-summer

Give your student a summer full of discovery, connection, and opportunity - the Sizzlin’ way! ✨

🛸 A KAMSC Tradition: Sci-Fi Film Fest! 🎬

Another Sci-Fi Film Fest is in the books - and yes, students are almost caught up on sleep! 😄

For the 24th year, KAMSC students gathered for this beloved overnight tradition, bringing games, snacks, pillows, blankets, and even the occasional gaming setup to transform the 4th floor into a space full of laughter, connection, and community. In the Presentation Center, students bonded over a lineup of epically bad sci-fi films (The Thing, Forbidden Planet, After Earth, and more), all leading up to a fan-favorite finale: V for Vendetta. 🎥

Events like Sci-Fi Film Fest highlight what makes KAMSC special; a strong sense of belonging, shared experiences, and a community that extends beyond the classroom. From late-night laughs to early-morning exhaustion, it is a tradition that brings students together and creates lasting memories. 💙

🌍 Is it ever a bad time to celebrate Earth? We think not. ✨

We may be a day late for Earth Day, but at KAMSC, scientific curiosity about our planet is a year-round thing. Check out this awesome interactive tool from NASA that uses real satellite imagery from the Landsat program to spell your name using Earth’s natural features. 🌿🛰️ It is a fun reminder of just how incredible - and data-rich - our planet is.

🔗 Create your own “Earth name” and learn more at: https://science.nasa.gov/specials/your-name-in-landsat/