CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library has partnered with Metro High School in project based learning for the past three years. Through this partnership, Metro students have enriched the museum’s programs and exhibits in numerous ways, including constructing train cars for the Guts & Glory exhibition, providing after-school robotics mentorship at Johnson STEAM Academy, and building a replica Berlin Wall to commemorate the 30th anniversary of The Fall of the Wall.
NCSML celebrates Metro High School’s Class of 2020
Metro students have contributed to public art and public dialogues about injustice in our community, sharing their creativity, passion, and dreams to help make this community a better place and each semester, the NCSML has watched as Metro students overcome incredible obstacles to graduate. This past school semester, however, posed a hindrance no one could imagine. Because of Covid-19, Metro’s spring semester Class of 2020 missed one of the great passages of young adult life: the high school commencement ceremony.
The NCSML is incredibly proud of the Metro students and their accomplishments. To show them this pride and to demonstrate how much their community appreciates their hard work and passion, we are launching a distanced graduation party in which every graduating Metro senior will receive a personalized package from the NCSML delivered to their door. Metro High School Administration and staff are working with the NCSML to ensure each graduating student receives something that celebrates who they are and their passions. Some students who are new parents may receive children’s books to read to their child. Some who are looking to attend cosmetology school will get organic imported soap. A student in love with art will receive books filled with paintings that inspire them.
To make this effort a reality, the NCSML needs community support. Each package is estimated to cost $25 and there are a record number of 163 graduates this year. That means that the NCSML will need to raise $4,075 to ensure each student receives a graduation package. To sponsor a package or several you can go to this link: https://bit.ly/2LPrPcy. The NCSML will also be sharing this link and features of some of the graduating seniors on their Facebook page. You may also mail a check to the NCSML with Metro Graduation on the note line. Help show these students they are becoming a part of a community that will uplift them during this daunting transition to a tumultuous world.