Mohawk gets funding for laser cutter

SYCAMORE — Mohawk Local Schools recently received a grant to fund the purchase of a laser cutter for the district's STEAM lab, to be used by students in kindergarten through sixth grade. According to a press release, $9,294 was gifted to the school by North Central Electric Cooperative, in partnership with CoBank. Andrew Sprang, superintendent of Mohawk Schools, said the laser "will be used for anything from making custom Christmas ornaments to topographic maps." "There are unlimited art projects that it could be used for," he said, and creations may even include "3D models of cells or planets and even puzzles." Sprang said the hands-on learning provided by working with the laser will build important skills and help create a passion for learning. In the press release, NCE President and CEO Ed VanHoose said, "Helping our schools obtain the materials and resources necessary to directly impact the lives of the children within our community is vital to their quality of life." As Mohawk prepares to implement use of the laser in its STEAM lab this fall, Sprang said, "Our STEAM teacher Mrs. Lauren Alexander will be facilitating the use and will have any necessary training for safe operation."