Zukeran Elementary School Celebrates STEM Day

Zukeran Elementary School hosted an extraordinary STEM Day designed to inspire curiosity, innovation, and real-world connections for all students. Coordinated by music teacher, Jessie Saunders, the event brought together multiple members of our military-connected community who volunteered their time and expertise to highlight the many pathways within STEM careers.

A major highlight of the day was a schoolwide assembly featuring Brigadier General Robert Brodie, Commanding General III Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Okinawa, Japan. Students were thrilled when he opened the event with a powerful message—delivered through an incredible video he recorded flying at 500 mph from the cockpit of his F-18 Hornet Fighter jet. His message connected deeply to Zukeran’s school theme, “The Sky’s the Limit,” encouraging students to work hard, stay curious, never give up, and always strive for their personal best. 

Following the assembly, Brigadier General Brodie and his team of volunteers visited classrooms where they demonstrated how jets fly, allowed students to try on flight gear, and answered questions from our enthusiastic students. 

Students also had unique opportunities with STEM professionals rotating through several STEM experiences throughout the day. Presentations included explosive ordnance disposal robots and drones with Marine Sergeant Arnold Miller; a force and motion lab with aerospace engineer, Dr. Jasmine Johnson; a propulsion and aerodynamics activity with Kadena Air Force Base Civil Air Patrol Cadets; and a hands-on fingerprinting experience with agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Far East Field Office. Students were also amazed to see the inside of a Cessna cockpit with Victor Cannon III, a pilot in training; learn about microbiology with volunteers from the US Naval Hospital Camp Foster laboratory; as well as explore satellites, communication, and space technology with members of the US Space Force.

These sessions offered students a chance to engage directly with professionals who use STEM skills daily, helping them see how classroom learning connects to real-world challenges and careers. Student leaders from the Zukeran Student Council welcomed Brigadier General Brodie with a tour of the school. When asked what advice he would offer young leaders, he responded without hesitation, "Put others first, and take care of each other.” He also shared a powerful story when students asked how he handles challenges. Brigadier General Brodie described a harrowing flight in which he lost one engine and had to remain calm, rely on his training, and work with his team to land safely. His message to students emphasized perseverance, teamwork, and staying steady under pressure—qualities essential in both leadership and STEM fields.  

Student Council Leader Aina Miyagi-Westenhofer, a student in Mr. Dutcher’s 5th grade class shared, “Meeting Brigadier General Brodie and giving him a tour inspired me to be a leader who puts others first, stays calm in challenges, and never gives up.”

STEM Day at Zukeran Elementary showcased the power of community partnerships, hands-on learning, and the importance of inspiring students to dream big. Thanks to Ms. Saunders’ coordination and the generosity of our military-connected community, students walked away with new knowledge, new questions, and a renewed belief that with effort and curiosity, the sky truly is the limit.