Blanchette’s Spiller Selected as NYLF Scholar

Blanchette Elementary fifth-grader DaLeah Spiller has been selected as the Envision National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) Scholar for a second time. She attended the Pathways to STEM program at The University of Texas in Dallas last summer and has been invited to attend again in 2023 as an alumni.

NYLF Pathways to STEM is a unique learning experience for bright, forward-thinking elementary school students who will evolve into next generation innovators, engineers, doctors, software developers and scientists. 

Students learn by doing hands-on simulations and workshops. “I enjoyed learning how to program and build a robot,” said Spiller. “It was my first experience building a robot and it was very exciting.”  

NYLF Pathways to STEM Alumni provides students with the opportunity to deepen their exposure to STEM skills and careers, develop and grow key cognitive abilities and reconnect with friends. 

Spiller said she is looking forward to learning new things such as:                                               

• Solving Real-World Issues: During a multi-day, problem-solving simulation, students will construct solutions to challenges brought on by a natural disaster.
• Participating in a Makerspace Challenge: Students gain even more broad exposure to STEM fields and participate in friendly competitions that will challenge their design skills and showcase their creativity and collaboration.
• Learning through Exploration: Offsite trip to a local museum or science center, to explore the exhibits and take part in hands-on activities.
• Reconnecting with Envision Friends: Reconnect with friends and form new bonds with other alumni.

“I feel honored, excited and blessed as an Envision Alumna,” said Spiller. “I will represent Beaumont ISD with the knowledge and skills that have been taught and practiced through my educational experience and I hope this will influence other students and parents to join this program.”