HCPSS Fun Run Map Developed by Homeland Security Student

Fri, 10/14/2016 - 12:23pm

Ryan Willis, a Senior at Centennial High School, is enrolled in his second year of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Career Academy at the Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL) taught by Mr. William Pratesi.  At the ARL, the class learns about GIS (Geographic Information System), which is capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface using mapping software.  Using STEM throughout the program, Ryan creates his maps in a GIS application called ArcMap.  Ryan is actively working on his Capstone Project, and along with his STARS (Spacial Technology and Remote Sensing) Certification Exam, Ryan will have an opportunity to earning a certificate in GIS. 

Ms. Linda Donatich, an ARL Special Education Teacher and Wellness Champion at the ARL, approached Mr. Pratesi at the beginning of the school year in need of creation of a map for a five kilometer path and a one mile path around the ARL for the staff to use.  Mr. Pratesi then asked Ryan if he would be willing to be the one to create the map.  Ms. Donatich met with Ryan to discuss the parameters of the project and then Ryan began to assemble, manipulate, and present the data in map form, and then went on to create detailed maps for Cedar Lane Park and Centennial Park.  Ryan has also made a spatially accurate map for the HCPSS Community 5k and Fun Run.  These maps will benefit the staff who participate in the HCPSS Commit To Be Fit Program, as well as supporting Vision 2018 and the Wellness Policy 9090.