S.T.E.A.M. into Star Wars celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, wrapped in a Star Wars theme hosted by the High school and organized by Tom Gross (Teachers in the Dungeon and CWK Pour over podcaster) and his army of student volunteers. Local artists, authors, podcasters as well as members of the 501st Midwest Garrison were part of this event which included games, demonstrations, activities and a full slate off podcasts and panels throughout. The event host was Dan Zehr of Coffee with Kenobi, who with Tom are part of the WCHS staff.
First Guest on tap, along with the early morning sun, was artist Camron Johnson
My show was the first podcast to start the day and I was able to bring on a handful of guests including Topps and Comic artist Camron Johnson, a WCHS alum, who talked about some of his new work and the busy schedule he has this year promoting his work. Jason Johnston from PeoriaCon was on hand to talk about the upcoming event in March and what it takes to put on an event. Crista from Tailored Geek was a returning guest and vendor and talked about what costuming she brought with her to display and what it takes to put that together. Mike Sommer from the Wax Pack Hero Podcast lives not too far and came up with some of his family. He talked about some of the things he liked about S.T.E.A.M. and some of his plans for 2024.
Ross Hollebon came on briefly and gave a preview of his special show for S.T.E.A.M.
I asked the host of the Album Cockpit Podcast and writer for Fantha Tracks, who like me had driven in the previous night across the blowing snow roads of central Illinois to attend the event to sit in with me for a minute and talk about his thoughts on S.T.E.A.M into Star Wars.
“Just making sure that people that people are involved these students are learning to build something like this so that they can have that confidence someday. Hey, you know what?
I'm really into this. I want to understand you know, they may want to professionally someday because of this get into events right into hospitality get into those elements So anything you know, I'll put the plug here for Butler University where I were work, anywhere we can allow opportunities for real experiential learning that's what you want to get so the fact that Tom set it up this way and it grows year over year and more students get involved and they're elevating up to leadership and management roles within this process is just invaluable and just great experience.
So I love that that happens and then it's just a great excuse for all of us to get together as well.”
Well said.
Be sure to check out Coffee with Kenobi for Dan’s show recorded there as well as John Aloise and Shawn Degenhart of the Hyperion Hub Podcast who also did their show from S.T.E.A.M.
L-R: Hyperion Hosts Shawn & John bring on Dan Zehr during their live show.
My thanks to Tom, Dan, and all the folks at WCHS for inviting me down to the event again. It was a blast getting to hang with everyone and helping put on a fun show!
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