LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE - EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Approximately 100 students from Dana and El Segundo middle schools gathered together at Los Angeles Air Force Base on May 31 to celebrate the 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Day.
The students were divided into four teams and asked to participate in activities that focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related activities, which included robotics, Lego bridge building challenge and Scorplus Rocket tour.
“Everyone in this room has the brain for Math, Science, Engineering and Technology because just like every other subject under the sun -- it just takes practice to get good,” said Col. Ann Igl, 61st Air Base Group commander. In her opening remarks as key speaker for the event, she also encouraged the students to think about their futures. “Focus on what it is you want to do, not so much on what you want to be,” said Igl.
The students from the middle schools were invited to Los Angeles Air Force Base in support of Air Force Space Command’s diversity and inclusion goals focused on exposing students to the Air Force’s STEM career fields.
“We’re really excited to be able to be a part of this event," said Blake Silvers, Wiseburn Unified School District superintendent. "The 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Day is really an introduction for kids and to see that this is a place of learning, a place of development, a place of STEM and to see how STEM kind of works, particularly here in the South Bay.”
Silvers also highlighted the importance of partnership. “It is all about partnership with the Air Force and a deeper understanding of the role of the military and in particular Los Angeles Air Force Base; and we are just thrilled to be a part of it.”
Col. Igl concluded the event by emphasizing some key lessons to the students. She also shared a favorite saying from her father, “My Dad always had this saying when I was growing up…that it is better to be lucky then to be good.”
Igl also thanked the students for being courteous to all the speakers and volunteers throughout the day. “STEM teaches us how to make a difference and to be problem solvers and so I hope today that each of you were able to fill your bags with a little bit more skill.”