We're thrilled to share that the Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts Fab Lab was featured on NBC 5 Chicago!
On Wednesday, October 1, NBC 5 anchor Laura Waldroup visited our school to see firsthand how our students are pushing creative boundaries and exploring STEM through hands-on innovation. The segment aired during the 4:00pm broadcast, showcasing the incredible work happening in our Fabrication Laboratory.
What Makes Our Fab Lab Special?
As featured in the segment, our Fab Lab offers students eight different disciplines ranging from laser cutting and 3D printing to origami. Students progress through a belt system—starting at white belt as novices and working their way up to expert black belt—gaining skills and confidence along the way.
"What do you do in a lab? You do experiments, fabrication means making things, so we are doing experiments and making things," explained Keerie Prasopoulos during the broadcast.
Student Creativity on Display
NBC 5 captured our students fully engaged in their creative projects. Student Kyleei Bryant shared her work creating a puzzle piece featuring her favorite Bible quote, while Kenzie Reid demonstrated making a three-color decal. These projects represent just a glimpse of the innovation happening daily in our Fab Lab.
A Hub of Innovation
Launched last year through a partnership with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and supported by grant funding, the Fab Lab has become a transformative space at our school. It's where students become inventors, creators, and designers—exploring STEM fields in ways that engage their imagination and problem-solving skills.
As Prasopoulos noted in the segment, "Every school should have a Fab Lab. No phones needed, and they are not missed at all here. This is the cure."
We're proud to offer this incredible resource to our students and grateful to NBC 5 Chicago for recognizing the important work happening at Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts.
Watch the full segment on NBC 5 Chicago's website to see our Fab Lab in action!