Students at Summit Academy Secondary School – Akron will soon be acquiring bonus skills in 3D printing thanks to the donation of a 3D printer, valued at about $300, by parent Sara Cartwright.
Cartwright, a 3D print designer and owner of Pumpkin Designs, says she hopes her donation helps students develop new technologic and artistic competencies. With one son who has already graduated from Akron Secondary and another currently attending, Cartwright says she welcomes the opportunity to support the school, which she describes as one where every student is valued and accepted.
School seniors will put the printer to use immediately, adding finishing touches to keychain lip balm holders, which Cartwright made via 3D printing. The keychains will be given to residents at Grace House Akron, which provides hospice care to
those without caregivers.
“I think it’s nice that we’re helping people out,” says senior Lucas Williams, who has already landed a job in dishwashing at Lock 15 Brewery, which he will begin after graduation.
“I think it’s really cool. It will give us more skills to use after high school to make tools and really anything to use in daily life as well as art,” adds senior Carson DeEgidio, who was accepted to Thiel College and is a member of the wrestling team at John R. Buchtel CLC.
Soon-to-be graduate Christopher Hedrick, with plans to pursue a trade career as an electrician, says learning to use a 3D printer should serve him and his classmates well. “Technology is advancing at a fast pace. I think it [3D printing skills] will be useful and helpful in the long-term,” he says.
Principal Ralph grant describes the donation as “fantastic.”
“I think it’s awesome. We’ll be determining how to best use it to support our students and expand from there,” says Grant. “It certainly does not go unnoticed.”