Elgin Student Attends Prestigious Education Forum
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, July 17th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ELGIN — Kenneth Johnson, a talented and ambitious elementary school student from Elgin, recently returned from an unforgettable adventure in Seattle, WA.
Kenneth had the privilege of participating in the esteemed National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM. The forum gathers students from across the country to enhance their knowledge of science, engineering, technology and mathematics.
Nominated by his fourth-grade teacher at Stella Mayfield Elementary, Kenneth’s exceptional academic performance and passion for learning caught the attention of the forum organizers. Alongside his academic achievements, Kenneth also shines in the sports arena as a formidable wrestler, representing Elgin Middle School and local ORWAY teams.
During his time in Seattle, Kenneth tells Elkhorn Media he had a blast exploring the city and immersing himself in various STEM activities. One of the highlights of his trip was visiting the iconic Space Needle. He said his favorite part of the forum was creating a robot, which he named Mr. Wumbo, after a character from Spongebob Squarepants.
In addition to the captivating sights and building robots, Kenneth had the opportunity to connect with other outstanding students from across the nation. He formed strong bonds and made new friends who shared his enthusiasm for STEM education and leadership development.
Kenneth will be a fifth-grader this upcoming school year at Stella Mayfield Elementary and he says his favorite subject is math. He says when he grows up, he wants to be a contractor like his father.As Kenneth resumes his studies and continues his journey, he will undoubtedly carry the lessons learned and friendships forged during his remarkable visit to Seattle.
