Pikeville, KY – April 2025
A spirit of creativity, curiosity, and collaboration filled the halls of Pikeville Independent Schools during STEAM Night 2025, where over 300 students, families, and community members gathered to explore the incredible work of Pikeville Elementary and High School students.
The district-wide celebration—focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics—offered a hands-on journey through student-designed exhibits that connected classroom learning with real-world innovation. Every grade level, from kindergarten to 12th, contributed to the evening’s success.
“STEAM Night is one of our proudest traditions,” said Superintendent David Trimble. “It’s not about a single subject or grade level—it’s about students of all ages showing what they can do when they're encouraged to think big, work together, and explore their passions.”
Across the school, visitors found themselves immersed in interactive displays: robots powered by code, musical performances using recycled materials, 3D-printed inventions, digital art, economic simulations, app prototypes, science experiments, and even a student-ran flight simulator. Laughter and learning echoed through every hallway as students led the way, guiding guests through the projects they built, tested, and refined.
“This event truly captures the spirit of what a community school can be,” said Sarah Blackburn, Community Schools Coordinator and Digital Learning Coach for Pikeville Independent Schools. “We see our students thriving when they’re solving problems that matter to them—and it’s powerful to see families and community partners experiencing that learning alongside them.”
For Amanda Robinson, Pikeville Elementary’s STEAM Teacher and longtime STLP Coach, the night was a celebration of how technology and creativity go hand-in-hand.
“Our STLP students took real ownership of this event,” Robinson said. “They didn’t just participate—they helped design, plan, and execute a full-scale learning experience. That’s what leadership looks like in action.”
The energy and excitement were especially meaningful for the district’s technology team, who helped support and integrate the tools that powered many of the night’s exhibits. “This is what meaningful tech integration looks like,” said Neil Arnett, Director of Technology for Pikeville Independent Schools. “It’s not about devices or platforms—it’s about empowering students to build, code, create, and communicate in ways that matter to them. We’re watching them become confident problem-solvers and future-ready leaders.”
Visitors also had the chance to explore a "Tinker Tank" lab with bubbling science stations, engage with local university partners, and enjoy performances like the 3rd Grade Recycled Robot Recital and 7th-8th Grade Bluegrass Buddies. Whether exploring Appalachian weaving projects or testing code in a digital mouse maze, the experience sparked wonder in all ages.
As the evening came to a close and prize winners were announced, one message stood clear: Pikeville students are not just preparing for the future—they’re creating it.