MAPS opens up newly renovated area to community

MARQUETTE — Marquette Senior High School opened up one of their newly renovated areas to the community this evening to promote some Christmas spirit.

Students and community members were invited to the MAPS Makerspace to make LED Christmas cards. The lab is new to the school this year and was one of several projects taken on by the school following the passing of a $6.3 million bond proposal back in May.

By connecting a battery to an LED light and using copper tape for connections, tonight’s participants were able to make their cards light up. The nature of the card-making is slightly complex and can impose certain artistic challenges especially to some of the younger attendees.

“Often times in this space we have a lot of frustration, but it’s playful and it’s fun,” said MAPS Makerspace Director Becky Simmons. “We push through those barriers and that’s really a part of this space is to try and push the limits of people and get them to try something they’ve never tried and work through those challenges and still come away having fun.”

The event was open to all ages in order to include all children in the district as well as community members. Simmons said they plan on offering activities like this quarterly. The next card-making session will be in February for Valentine’s Day.