FTEF Helps to Engineer Great Opportunities at HHS and HMS

There exists a well-known quote among the engineering community that seems to encapsulate the profession both succinctly and perfectly.“The scientist discovers a new type of material or energy, and the engineer discovers a new use for it.”

Truly, engineers are a dogged and hard-working bunch, even in the confines of Highlands High School – where technology teacher Ron Rosel helps shepherd his students through forward thinking and innovative new ideas and projects. Like many teachers in the Fort Thomas school system, Rosel has been the benefactor of grants from the Education Foundation which have helped to outfit his classroom with needed equipment to help immerse his students.   

With the help of the FTEF, Rosel has received for his classroom a host of equipment helpful for young engineers, including drones, robotics equipment, laptop computers and a laser engraver – just to name a few. “These are all used by students to create hands on designs and prototypes for engineering projects,” says Rosel. Students also use these projects for local, state, and national competitions, where they have won several first-place engineering prizes.

In a landscape where updated equipment is almost a necessity, Rosel says the FTEF has helped keep the department competitive. Grants from the FTEF have helped to keep the department both state-of-the-art and current with the latest tools. “As we look to expand the program and build new facilities for engineering, we will need to replace and upgrade equipment for the new lab,” says Rosel. “Through the support of the FTEF, the engineering program has accomplished a lot for student opportunities in learning , competing, and enjoying the engineering process in school.”

At the end of the day, Rosel says that both the FTEF and the support of the citizens of Fort Thomas make this engine run better than one could dream. “The FTEF has been a blessing for all students, staff and programs,” he says. “With all my experiences in teaching in other districts, this community is very special and very involved in the students’ education. This is the absolute best place to be as a student, parent and faculty member.”