BY JIM LOCKWOOD, STAFF WRITER
SCRANTON — The Diocese of Scranton held a fundraiser gala Saturday to support STREAM education — science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math — in the 20 Catholic schools in the region.
The event at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Ave., kicked off efforts to support scholarships to schools in the diocese and for purchase of specific technological items used in STREAM education, said schools Superintendent Kristen Donohue.
“It’s a nice gathering for a great cause,” Donohue said.
The diocese in September announced a $1 million investment in STREAM. The idea is to go beyond traditional STEM programs, by including the arts and religion, to add creativity, communication and social responsibility rooted in Catholic identity. The diocese plans to incorporate STREAM into the curriculum of all 20 Catholic schools by May 2022.
STREAM allows teachers to plan engaging, cross-curricular lessons that address 21st century skills needed in a global society, according to the diocese.
The STREAM initiative and the gala to support it are efforts “on the part of the diocese and the schools to create the best kind of environment we can for students to move forward,” Bishop Joseph C. Bambera said.
The event, titled the “ASPIRE Gala,” had a goal of raising $75,000, Donohue said. It also included a silent auction and text-to-donate options.
WNEP-TV anchor Julie Sidoni served as master of ceremonies.
About 200 people attended. The crowd included members of the community and local businesses, alumni, parents, principals and faculty, said Jason Morrison, the diocesan secretary of catholic education/chief executive officer.
Each school had a table highlighting STREAM activities and goals for the year, as well as requests for contributions to fund particular objects.
The St. Nicholas/St. Mary elementary school in Wilkes-Barre sought donations for the school to buy a set of four virtual reality goggles that cost $2,000 for all four. The VR devices enhance learning experiences by allowing student viewers to visualize disparate locations as if they were there, including a rainforest, the North Pole or Central Park, or even inside the human heart, said school Vice Principal Lisa Casey.
“This is a whole new world for these kids. They can see New York City. They could walk on the moon. They could see the craters,” Casey said of the VR goggles. “I love these. I’m just hoping someone will help us out” with a donation.
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