Wayne Hills students had the chance to get in touch with their inner child and indulge in their most loved pastimes this Maker’s Day. 

The first ever Maker’s Day here at Wayne Hills was held in the media center this past Friday. On Maker’s Day, students were allowed to “make” creative projects for themselves, a friend, or a family member, or simply enjoy the various activities being offered. 

There were seventeen stations set up throughout the library, each one having its own unique activity for students to have fun with. These stations ranged from building creations out of duct tape, making personalized bracelets, and molding clay sculptures to CAD-techno coding and using a charged 3D pen. 

One station in particular utilized sublimation printing. Students had the freedom to personalize logos and pictures and iron them onto t-shirts, canvas bags, or whatever other items they wished to decorate. They could also transfer designs using permanent vinyl onto water bottles, phone cases, and wooden signs. 

These stations worked together to open up a calm and creative space for all students. Students were encouraged to unplug, try to get in touch with their artistic abilities, and maybe even do the things their younger selves enjoyed doing. 

Sophomore Luciano Garcia went to Maker’s Day with his CAD class, and made a water bomb out of paper. He said, “I liked the laid back feel to it and the fact that it was a break from typical academics.” 

Sophomore Aiden Cannizzaro also went with his CAD class and made origami. He said he “Enjoyed getting a break from class to learn about unique things.” 

Mrs. Caldwell, the librarian here at Hills, brought Maker’s Day to us in order to encourage students to think outside the box and be creative in a non-academic setting. She explained that students often do not have the time to explore their  interests due to their busy lives, and wanted to give them that time back in a way that would consider a wide range of interests and hobbies. 

This wide range of activities available to students also introduced numerous career opportunities. Mrs. Caldwell hoped that by trying out different crafts, whether it was STEAM, marketing, or CAD, students might possibly want to explore these realms further in the future. 

She also added that the mental well-being of students can be enhanced from Maker’s Day: “I think it is good for students’ mental health to be able to do something that is not very stressful. Anytime you get to be creative and think outside the box, you’re expanding your mind.” 

Mrs. Caldwell was optimistic when bringing Maker’s Day to Wayne Hills, and the day certainly was successful. Maker’s Day encourages students to try to work with new crafts, take up a new hobby, and spend time doing what they already know and love but might not have time for on a daily basis.