Hillcrest Elementary School 3rd grader Kayleigh Yurkonis is making waves with her creative use of technology. From exploring tools on her iPad to using Keynote to share ideas, Kayleigh’s passion for tech is truly inspiring. It all started in 2nd grade, when her teacher Mrs. Jones and Instructional Coach Mrs. Nuxoll introduced Keynote to their classroom. Mrs. Nuxoll led a small group of student leaders, including Kayleigh, to pre-teach Keynote skills and empower them to help their peers during tech lessons. As the year progressed, Kayleigh and her classmates used Keynote to create personal slideshows, showcase animal research, and present their learning at the Spring Showcase.
Kayleigh’s interest in technology didn’t stop there. She continues to meet with Mrs. Nuxoll to explore new ways to use Keynote, even experimenting with animated movies based on her own stories. This year, Kayleigh’s skills caught the attention of Hillcrest’s staff, and Mrs. Nuxoll invited her to join a group of teachers presenting at the October D34 Staff Inservice session titled “Exploring Apple Possibilities.” While Kayleigh was unable to attend the session in person, she didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she created an iMovie to highlight Keynote’s features and demonstrate how it can be used in the classroom.
Kayleigh’s love for technology, problem-solving, and collaboration continues to grow, as she eagerly seeks opportunities to learn and share her creations with others. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity and innovation, inspiring both her peers and educators. Hillcrest is proud to have a young leader like Kayleigh blazing the trail for tech enthusiasts at the school!
