Scholars Take Center Stage
The Community Showcase gave the STEAM Ambassadors an opportunity to become the teachers.
Scholars were divided into three groups, each developing a unique presentation focused on the Codorus Creek, York’s watershed, environmental responsibility, and the role young people can play in strengthening their community.
Group 1: Building a Better York
Scholars: Mia Soto, Aymar Vazquez-Lopez, and Abigaille Alexis
Group 1 presented “Building a Better York,” focusing on the Codorus Creek Beautification Project and their vision for what the future of York could look like through continued investment in the community and its natural spaces.
The scholars discussed how the beautification project extends beyond simply cleaning the creek. Their presentation explored restoring the waterway, improving public access and recreational spaces, enhancing wildlife habitats, reducing pollution and litter, addressing stormwater and flooding concerns, and creating cleaner and more welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.
They also encouraged residents to participate in cleanups, properly dispose of trash, share information about the project, and recognize how small actions can contribute to long-term positive environmental change.
Group 2: Inside the Mind of the Codorus Creek
Scholars: Jaziely Vega, Alicia Richards, and Jahari Williams-Brown
Group 2 took guests “Inside the Mind of the Codorus Creek,” examining the creek’s plants, wildlife, water quality, environmental history, and the effects people have had on the waterway. The scholars discussed how native plants help stabilize riverbanks, reduce sediment, support wildlife, and even provide clues about the health of the water.
Their presentation also addressed challenges facing the Codorus Creek, including industrial runoff, littering, dumping, habitat destruction, and other sources of pollution. Rather than only discussing the problems, the scholars focused on solutions such as volunteering, participating in creek cleanups, reducing pollution, and supporting continued beautification efforts.
Group 2 also made the presentation interactive by challenging audience members to discuss what they personally could do to make a difference, what the Codorus Creek could look like if everyone helped protect it, and what challenges the community may face while working to protect the waterway.
Group 3: Our STEAM Journey Through Our Watershed
Scholars: Angeolina Gonzalez, Siriyah Gibson, and Jordyn Wade
Group 3 presented “Our STEAM Journey Through Our Watershed,” using six tributaries of the Susquehanna River as a creative representation of their six-week STEAM journey.
The scholars explained that just as tributaries flow together to form a larger river, each week’s experiences came together to build their understanding of STEAM, their watershed, and their community.
Their presentation walked guests through the different components of the summer experience, including science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and career exploration. They discussed learning where York’s water comes from, touring water-treatment facilities, testing water quality, exploring robotics, studying pollution, working with macroinvertebrates, learning about public art, exploring marketing and branding, practicing financial literacy, and discovering career possibilities connected to STEAM.
Check out our on-site photo gallery at Pennsylania American Water located in York, PA.
The group concluded by discussing ways residents can help protect local watersheds, including picking up litter, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, keeping pollutants out of storm drains, participating in stream cleanups, and reporting environmental violations.
Their presentation captured one of the central lessons of the entire summer experience: everything is connected.
As Mrs. Gibson reflected after the student presentations, each group approached its project differently while demonstrating the research, creativity, and hard work the Ambassadors invested throughout the program.
In Their Own Words: Our STEAM Ambassadors
Some of the most powerful reflections came directly from the scholars themselves.
Jordyn Wade, Logos Academy, 11th Grade, reflected on how STEAM can make a difference beyond the classroom:
“I see STEAM as five different ways we can impact our local community and help the earth thrive.”
For Jaziely Vega, Tidings of Peace, 11th Grade, the program helped connect STEAM with future career possibilities:
“I now see that STEAM is not only something that can be used within the program but in real life careers too.”
Jahari Williams-Brown, William Penn Senior High School, 12th Grade, shared how the experience changed her understanding of STEAM:
“I see STEAM very differently now. I used to think STEAM was just about work and science, but it is very useful in life.”
For Siriyah Gibson, Dallastown Area Middle School, 7th Grade, the program expanded what STEAM meant altogether:
“I used to think that STEAM was only about science. Now I realize there is so much more to STEAM than just your typical science.”
And Abigaille Alexis, Tidings of Peace, 12th Grade, captured the spirit of the program in one powerful statement:
“STEAM taught me that small ideas can make a big impact.”
Her most memorable experience was a boat ride that allowed her to see the environment from a new perspective while learning about the importance of protecting local waterways. She said the experience helped her connect STEAM to real-world issues.
Building More Than STEAM Skills
The STEAM Ambassadors Program was about more than experiments, field trips, technology, and presentations. Over six weeks, scholars and staff built meaningful relationships.
Mrs. Gibson reflected on the way the cohort grew together and emphasized the importance of helping young people recognize their own value and potential.
During the graduation portion of the evening, she encouraged the Ambassadors to continue believing in themselves:
“Own your truth and stand in your truth. Know that you are enough and that you are getting better as the days go on.”
She also encouraged scholars to write down their ideas, plans, and future opportunities rather than allowing them to disappear.
“Write down the plan and make it plain. And then you execute.”
Her final challenge placed the future directly in the hands of the young people standing before her:
“The changes you wish to see starts with you.”
CAY Program Director Mr. Barry Freeland reinforced that message by reminding scholars that their environment includes more than the natural world. It also includes their neighborhoods, schools, and the community around them.
“Take what you learned, run with it.”
Celebrating Our 2026 STEAM Ambassadors
Crispus Attucks York congratulates our 2026 STEAM Ambassadors:
Jordyn Wade, Logos Academy, 11th Grade
Jaziely Vega, Tidings of Peace, 11th Grade
Angeolina Gonzalez, York Academy ,11th Grade
Jahari Williams-Brown,William Penn, 12th Grade
Aymar Vazquez-Lopez, Logos Academy, 11th Grade
Mia Soto, Tidings of Peace, 11th Grade
Siriyah Gibson, Dallastown Area Middle School, 7th Grade
Abigaille Alexis, Tidings of Peace, 12th Grade
Alicia Richards, Logos Academy, 11th Grade
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and growth demonstrated by each Ambassador throughout the summer.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Program Partners
Programs like the Crispus Attucks Codorus STEAM Ambassadors Program are made possible through community investment and collaboration.
Crispus Attucks York extends a special thank you to our generous sponsors: York County Community Foundation, York County Economic Alliance, STEAM Sneakerheadz, the City of York, and the Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center (CAYHCC) for making this program possible through their investment in our youth.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our incredible program partners: Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Watershed Alliance of York PA, Cooperativa Finanta Credit Union, Pennsylvania American Water, Penn State Extension – York County, First Capital Federal Credit Union, Keystone Kidspace, and Byrnes Health Education for sharing their expertise, resources, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Thank You to Our Program Team
Crispus Attucks York also recognizes the dedicated team who worked directly with our scholars throughout their six-week journey:
Mr. Barry Freeland, CAY Program Director
Ky The Chemist, Program Consultant
Mrs. Angel Gibson, Lead Facilitator
Bryan Rehm, Lead Facilitator / On-Site Photographer
Ms. Riyana Owens, Facilitator
Jaden Freeland, Intern
To our families, educators, volunteers, community leaders, sponsors, program partners, staff, and everyone who invested their time and resources into our scholars, thank you.
Your support helps create experiences that expose young people to new possibilities, connect education with real-world career pathways, and empower them to envision how they can make a difference in their own community.
Together, we are continuing 95 years of Giving Rise to Possible for York’s youth.
As the 2026 program reminded us:
“We are the seeds of change—rooted in purpose, rising in power, and reaching for a future only we can imagine.”
Looking Ahead to 2027
Interested in joining the 2027 STEAM Ambassadors cohort or becoming a sponsor for next year’s program?
Contact Barry Freeland at bfreeland@crispusattucks.org for more information.
