RAMA STEM NIGHT!

On April 22nd, something special happened at Reaching All Minds Academy in Durham—and it wasn’t just another day on the calendar. It was Earth Day, and the school turned it into a full-on celebration of creativity, community, and curiosity.

The excitement didn’t stop when the final bell rang. That evening, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, families poured in for a lively STEM Family Night that transformed the campus into a hub of discovery and fun.

Inside, the spotlight belonged to the fourth graders, who took the stage with their original play, “The Mess We Made.” More than just a performance, it was a powerful, student-written story about the impact of our choices—and how those choices shape the health of our oceans. Guided by Ms. Hayes, the students didn’t just act—they inspired. And they didn’t stop there. After the final bow, students wowed the audience again with a Recycle Fashion Show, strutting the runway in outfits they designed themselves using recycled materials. It was equal parts style, sustainability, and imagination.

Step outside, and the energy continued. Families explored hands-on STEM activities that invited them to experiment, build, and learn together. Meanwhile, the eighth graders proudly presented their science fair projects, sharing months of hard work and curiosity-driven research. Community members—including Emily Moore—took on the role of judges, while attendees added their voices by voting for the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

Events like this don’t happen in isolation. This memorable evening was part of NCSciFest 2026 and was made possible through generous support from Duke Energy.

By the end of the night, one thing was clear: Earth Day at RAMA wasn’t just about celebrating the planet—it was about empowering the next generation to care for it, one idea, one project, and one inspired student at a time.