MONROE — The public is invited to join Monroe High School LAUNCH students from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 in the M-Room at Monroe High School for the 2024-25 final LAUNCH Project Showcase. Students will be presenting what they have learned throughout the year in LAUNCH and specifically about their third trimester projects. 

Each student team will have a table with information about their most recent project. Those who attend will be able to move from table to table to learn more about student projects and ask questions. 

The students are eager to show the work they have done to solve problems for local businesses and organizations and discuss the skills they have learned to successfully complete their projects, according to coordinator Cara Carper. 

“Thank you to all of the businesses and organizations that have worked with our LAUNCH students over the past school year,” Carper said.

This trimester, student projects included:

Behavioral Health

United Way and Green County Family Resource Center — Literacy Drive

• In order to promote children’s literacy skills, Behavioral Health students hosted a literacy drive and prepared kits for children entering 4K to provide them and their families with strategies and resources to promote their literacy.

SSM Monroe — Podcast for CHIP

• Students participated in the Green County Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) process and worked with the group to inform citizens about resources available to help with issues regarding housing and mental health to better support our community.

Cheesemaker Chase 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run

• To improve mental and physical health, students are providing an opportunity for people of all ages to participate in this event in a beautiful nature setting. Proceeds from the race will go to Family Promise and a scholarship fund for an MHS senior pursuing a career in the mental health field. The event will take place on Saturday, May 17 (Fun Run at 8 a.m. and 5K at 8:30 a.m.) at Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area.

Business Analytics

Colony Brands — Increasing Country Door Conversion Rate

• Students were tasked to increase the conversion rate of the Country Door website via various User Interface improvements.

Monroe Truck Equipment — 2024 Manufacturing Production Analysis

• Students provided Monroe Truck data analysis for snow removal product sales in 2024.

Monroe School District and City of Monroe — Developmental impacts on the city’s population as well as the school district enrollment

• Students considered various factors and used them to project future population enrollment for the school district and city.

Media Solutions

Monroe Truck Equipment — Filming and Edit of Work Instructions

• Students filmed and edited work instructions for the truck and manufacturing shops for upcoming training programs.

Colony Brands — 100th Anniversary Social Media Posts

• A student team created social media posts to lead up to Colony Brands 100th Anniversary.

Main Street Monroe — Main Street Monroe

• Students created a series of short videos for social media to showcase businesses on the Square from a fresh, youthful perspective.

Green County Land Conservation — Carcass Composting Video

• Students created a visually appealing video to show farmers how easy it can be to compost their mortality (deadstock). 

Son of a Beech Beef — Beef Media/Advertising

• Students are creating photography and video graphics to advertise online and the website. They are expanding website and social outreach with Google, Instagram, and Facebook, and creating fliers, pamphlets, and other hard copy marketing materials.

Healthcare Solutions

• After earning their CNA certifications through the class, Healthcare Solutions LAUNCH students planned and hosted a Respite Fun Day for families of children with medical disabilities in the community. During Respite Fun Day, the students applied their skills by offering engaging activities tailored to the specific needs of the children and their siblings. The event not only provided social interaction and skill development for the children but also offered a valuable break for parents, allowing them time to recharge or attend to personal matters.

Skilled Building Trades

• GCDC hosted an Open House on May 7 to thank supporters and highlight the newly-completed house. Skilled Building Trades students will be available during the LAUNCH Showcase to discuss their contributions to the building process and all that they have learned through the LAUNCH program.

New Opportunities

“We are pleased to announce that next year MHS is adding two new strands,” Carper said. 

Applied Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship will provide advanced skills and knowledge in the use of metal machining, casting, welding and fabrication methods while developing and implementing a successful Cheesemaker Manufacturing business that will fabricate metal manufacturing projects for local businesses. The Skilled Building Trades strand will be expanded to provide the skills for students to renovate a donated house. 

Does Your Business or Organization Have a Project?

“We are actively seeking projects that will help your business or organization while students learn through experience,” Carper said. 

Project examples and the LAUNCH project application form are available on the Monroe High School website, www.monroeschools.com/schools/high/, under the LAUNCH tab.