On Tuesday, May 8, Highland Middle School teacher Cathy Wilhelm arranged for the 8th grade classes to be treated to a live performance of award-winning poet, "Asia", direct from Miami, Florida. Asia has been featured on BET's "Lyric Cafe," was featured at the Hawaii Slam and Philippine Independence Day, he broke the record for poet most booked in colleges, and was the recipient of the 2011 "Word Artist of the Year." He has received awards and book deals for his text messages alone! Asia has the ability to combine humor while provoking thought and self-reflection. He entertained, shared words of wisdom and led a poetry work shop during his time at Highland Middle. Students were enthusiastic about reading their own poetry to the group and carried over that enthusiasm into the classroom unit on poetry. Special thanks to student teacher, Marissa Marangoni, who helped to organize the program. Pictured are Highland Middle School students from left: Brendan Killeen, Andy Urban, Chad Dubiel, Asia the poet, Nicole Kobak and Allison Gutwein.

On April 27, 12 sixth graders from Highland Middle School attended Engineering Day, sponsored by Goodyear in Akron. Students participated in a college and career fair and worked with engineers from companies such as Lockheed Martin, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Pittsburgh Plate Glass and several others. They applied engineering skills to build objects with certain specifications. One Highland Middle team, comprised of four students, captured 3rd place overall for building a tower out of common materials that would hold the most weight. Winning team members included Holly Sammon, Kaila Oberhaus, Molly Ryan and Natali Ervin. Congratulations on a job well done! Pictured above, in front from left are Mrs. Sandy Schilling who helped to corrdinate the group from HMS, Holly Sammon, Molly Ryan, Natali Ervin, Kaila Oberhaus, Dylan Edinger, Collin McInness and Nate Upole. In back are Alex Borla, Ethan Andrews, Colin Bruce, Kyle Horton, Anthony Pidala and Kitty Lightner.