Sycamore Middle School Students Showcase Innovation and STEM Talent at Makers on the Move

On October 8, 2025, Sycamore Middle School (SMS) students had the opportunity to participate in a community-wide showcase event, Makers on the Move, hosted by the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) and The Suter Company as part of Manufacturing Month. The event celebrated DeKalb County’s deep manufacturing roots and its ongoing commitment to innovation and workforce development.

Students from Sycamore Middle School had the opportunity to showcase a variety of impressive STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) projects to community and industry leaders. Students presented woodworking projects, crafted plant stands featuring laser-engraved logo designs, and demonstrated wood turning on lathes to make pens. Additional displays featured robotics, 3D printing, and a promotional spotlight for the annual Science Olympiad, held each March. Using laser engraving on leather patches, students had created a custom Makers on the Move hat that they gifted to the President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.

The school’s G-Force all-girls STEM club was also on site, highlighting their hands-on learning and leadership in technology and engineering. Sycamore Middle School TV Production students captured the event through video coverage, offering a student-driven perspective of the day’s activities.

Staff members supporting the students included CTE teachers Kevin Boltz and Ryan McDonald, TV Production teacher Jill Anderson, science teacher and G-Force club advisor Liz Peterson, and Assistant Principal Justin Hames, who spoke on behalf of the district.

Two Sycamore High School students, Noah Murcia and Morgan Cook, also spoke at the event, reflecting on how their middle school STEM experiences at SMS sparked their interest in pursuing advanced coursework and future careers in related fields.

“It’s just great exposure for our students to be invited to an event like this. They can see what opportunities are out there and also get to show off their skills a little bit too,” said Mr. Justin Hames, Sycamore Middle School Assistant Principal.  “The real-world experiences our team has provided for these students are nothing short of amazing. I’m so proud of them all.”

Manufacturing and agriculture have long been cornerstones of DeKalb County’s economy; industries that provide identity, create jobs, and fuel community growth. The Makers on the Move Bus Tour, organized by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), spotlights the importance of these sectors while recognizing manufacturers and farms that have reached centennial milestones.

Sycamore Community School District 427 is proud to have been part of this celebration of innovation, education, and community partnership, and to continue preparing students with the skills, creativity, and confidence to shape the future of our local and global workforce.