Mason Li, Mihai Thompson, and Ahan Tandon, students from Cedar Falls High School, stepped up in a big way at the Cedar Valley STEM Festival held at Wartburg College. The annual event brought together hundreds of young students and families to explore hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities led by nearly 50 vendors and educational partners.
Mason Li, Mihai Thompson, Ahan Tandon (L-R)
Mason, Mihai and Ahan spent the day volunteering at Waverly Health Center’s interactive exhibit, The Germ Lab, which invited kids to learn about germs, handwashing and healthy habits. Mason, Mihai and Ahan helped kids look at cells under a microscope, demonstrated the classic pepper-and-soap experiment to show how soap repels germs and guided visitors through a glow germ hand-washing station where participants could see just how well they washed their hands under a special UV light.
“These students are absolute go-getters,” said Karly Kuecker, Community Outreach Specialist. “They were upbeat, dependable and truly invested in helping younger kids get excited about STEM. Watching them take initiative and represent Cedar Falls High School with such pride was inspiring. We’re lucky to have young leaders like them in our community.”
The Cedar Valley STEM Festival continues to grow each year, offering families a chance to experience interactive science and spark curiosity in future innovators. Thanks to volunteers like Mason, Mihai and Ahan, the event was a resounding success once again.
