Andover High School’s IDEAStudio has a lot to be proud of this year, funded by an ACE grant in 2018 with a transformational gift from Ellen and Greg Sebasky. The IDEAStudio was launched to provide students and faculty with the environment, the resources, and the support to engage with cutting-edge materials and tools to push their practice as learners. Pratheek Kuimanda, a senior at Andover High School (AHS) and captain in the IDEAStudio was honored with the Prudential Spirit of Community Service Award for his groundbreaking work last spring to create face masks and shields for healthcare workers during the pandemic.
Prior to the shut down of school last spring, Pratheek worked with fellow students to brainstorm ways to help the doctors and nurses that were on the frontline of the pandemic. Their efforts led them to prototype face masks and shields with the various equipment and machines in the IDEAStudio. When the high school closed in mid-March, Steve Chinosi, Director of Strategic Innovations worked to deliver the IDEAStudio fabrication machines (i.e. 3D printers, CNC machines and sewing machines) and other materials so Pratheek and his fellow students could continue to produce the face masks and shields at home.
In addition, Shashwat Ghevde, an AHS junior and regular IDEAStudio member, was also awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Service Award Distinguished Finalist for his leadership in a learn to code program for kids that he created as well.
We are pleased to share an interview as part of the New England Revolution’s Hometown Heroes of their efforts this spring.
