April News and Updates

Save the Date for the EEG Amazing Shake!

At the Educational Empowerment Group, we believe in cultivating the whole student. While academic excellence is our foundation, our true standard is preparing young people for the complexities of life beyond the classroom.

Throughout the year, our students have been immersed in rigorous training designed to sharpen their professionalism, teamwork and composure under pressure. By mastering these essential soft skills, they are not just becoming better students, but they are becoming the top choice candidates for future employers and impactful leaders in their communities.

Putting Skills into Action

The time has come for our students to put that training to the test. We are thrilled to announce that schools across the network are currently hosting The Amazing Shake competition. Based on the renowned program from the Ron Clark Academy, this high-energy event challenges students to navigate real-world scenarios with poise and confidence.

The Road to the State Championship

The excitement is just beginning. Winners from each school will advance to the EEG State Amazing Shake Competition. This year’s event promises to be one for the record books, showcasing the incredible talent and grit of our student body.

Save the Date! 

We invite you to join us as we witness these future leaders in action and crown our 2026 champion. You don’t want to miss it!

Bridging Excellence

We were thrilled to host two of our most dynamic leaders, Principals Danielle Scarpelli and Jae Anderson, who serve at the helm of Morning Star Academy and the South Carolina Construction Academy in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Danielle and Jae embarked on a collaborative tour of their sister schools, gaining an up-close and personal look at our mission in motion. The visit was packed with inspiration, as they explored STEAM and CTE programming in action, observing firsthand the technical and creative excellence of our students. They also had the opportunity to celebrate this excellence by attending student awards ceremonies and vibrant art exhibits. Throughout the tour, they experienced “The EEG Way” by witnessing the daily dedication required to truly live out our commitment to “Do What’s Best for Kids.”

It is clear that both Danielle and Jae lead with immense heart and a passion for student-centered growth. This exchange of ideas strengthens our entire network, as we continue to expand our impact across South Carolina.

We are incredibly proud to have them on our leadership team and eagerly anticipate the progressive, positive success stories that will undoubtedly emerge from Morning Star and the SC Construction Academies.

The High School Hub

It has been an another inspiring month across our high school campuses. Guided by our commitment to providing every student with life-changing support and opportunities, we have reached several remarkable milestones. Take a look at the recent highlights that showcase the progress, passion and success of our school community.

Culinary Excellence on Display

Stark High School – Our Culinary Arts students took center stage recently, showcasing their impressive technical skills by preparing an exquisite luncheon for our South Carolina principals, our CEO and members of the EEG leadership team.

The menu featured a sophisticated take on local favorites, including:

• Signature Crab Cakes paired with a zesty lemon caper coleslaw.
• Fresh Dill & Cucumber Salad, a crisp and refreshing seasonal side.

This was more than just a meal. It was a powerful demonstration of how our CTE programming is cultivating professional-grade chefs right in our classrooms. We are incredibly proud of the talent, discipline, and flavor these students brought to the table. Go HAWKS!

Black & Gold Spirit Week Champions

Ohio Construction Academy – A huge congratulations to OCA for taking home the grand prize for Black & Gold Spirit Week!

Held in partnership with the Columbus Crew, this community-wide celebration is a staple for Columbus, Ohio schools. As part of the “Stay in the Game” network, the initiative is designed to tackle chronic absenteeism by boosting school pride and student engagement.

The purpose of this partnership was to prove that showing up truly matters, and for OCA, the payoff was unforgettable. As the reigning champions, students were treated to an exclusive eMLS tournament where they went head-to-head in an incredible gaming session with two Columbus Crew players. The school’s vibrant energy and steadfast commitment to attendance even caught the attention of the local news, putting their hard work in the community spotlight.

We are so proud of the OCA students and staff for demonstrating that when you show up with spirit, great things happen. Go Crew and Go OCA! Check out the story.

A Taste of Competition

CASTLE High School- East Campus – The culinary momentum continues to build, this time in Cleveland, OH. Our talented students recently hosted their second Culinary Showcase Taste Testing Event, serving as a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the upcoming Ohio Grown Student Chef Showcase Competition.

The students impressed attendees with their original, from-scratch creations, featuring a vibrant Caribbean Harmony Bowl. The showcased dishes included:

• Arroz con Gandules – Traditional Puerto Rican Rice & Beans
• Pollo Guisado – Savory Puerto Rican Stewed Chicken

These recipes were meticulously developed by the students as part of their official entry for the state-level competition, which is set to take place in May 2026.

The school was honored to welcome members of the Cleveland community and the EEG team, who served as guest judges for the event. Their feedback was invaluable, as our students refine their techniques and prepare to take their flavors to the state stage. We cannot wait to see what these rising chefs cook up next!

Empowering High School Educators

Our high school operations team was thrilled to host a dynamic, two-day intensive training session on March 18 and 19 for high school instructors from across the state. This hands-on workshop focused on the successful implementation and management of Paxton Patterson Labs, ensuring our educators are fully equipped to deliver high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE).

Throughout the session, teachers engaged in hands-on exploration of module hardware and software, focusing on lab best practices and student management. We are excited to see these strategies put into action, as we continue to support student success and CTE across all our sites.

The K-8 Chronicles

This month, our K-8 students are proving once again that when ambition is met with the right support, the possibilities are endless. Whether they are excelling in their studies or making an impact in their neighborhoods, these young learners are setting a powerful example for their peers and redefining what success looks like.

Explore the most inspiring achievements from across our schools this month.

Art in Motion

Beacon Academy – Creativity took center stage, as Beacon hosted its Second Annual Interactive Art Show. From the moment families, students and EEG staff stepped through the doors, they were immersed in a vibrant celebration of student talent and imagination.

This was not your typical gallery walk. Guests were greeted with refreshments and an interactive guide to help them navigate the diverse installations. The highlight of the evening was a building-wide scavenger hunt, featuring hidden masterpieces created by our brilliant third graders.

Throughout the building, attendees explored:

• Diverse media featuring a stunning array of sculptures and paintings.
• Dedicated student ambassadors stationed at every turn to answer questions and share the inspiration behind the work.
• A seamless flow of art that transformed the school into a living museum.

The true magic of the night was seeing students’ faces light up with pride, as they shared their hard work with the community. Their dedication to this event was evident in every brushstroke and clay mold.

A massive thank you to the EEG staff who attended to show their support and a special kudos to Ms. Stramaglia. Her vision and tireless effort, alongside the incredible work of her students, made this exhibit a beautiful, fun and unforgettable success. We are already looking forward to next year.

Slam Dunk for STEM

Beacon Academy – Beacon scored another win by coordinating a trip to Cleveland for an unforgettable afternoon of professional basketball and hands-on learning at the Cleveland Charge STEM Day.

The energy in the arena was electric, as students watched the Charge secure a dominant 148–105 victory over the Windy City Bulls. However, the scoreboard was only part of the story.

To transform the arena into a mobile classroom, every student was equipped with a specialized STEM Playbook that turned the game into a hands-on learning adventure. This interactive guide led our learners on a deep dive into the science and technology behind the sport, beginning with an exploration of diverse STEM career paths within the professional sports industry. The students then stepped into the role of lead designers for a creative jersey challenge before using a court compass and other logic-based activities to analyze the action on the hardwood in real-time.

The impact of the trip was best captured by one of our students, who enthusiastically shared that the day felt like “the best vacation I have ever had!” By blending the thrill of a live sporting event with academic discovery, we were able to spark curiosity in a truly unique way.

A huge thank you to Principal Brodzenski, the Educational Empowerment Group and the Cleveland Charge for making this incredible educational field trip possible. Beacon also made the news; take a look.

Robots, Gliders and Great Heights

Innovation Academy West – IAW students, along with Beacon recently traded the classroom for the great outdoors during a spectacular STEM retreat hosted by the Girl Scouts of America. From the moment the tour bus arrived at the scenic Girl Scout Center, complete with sightings of deer grazing in the fields, it was clear this would be an adventure to remember.

The day was packed with high-energy learning that kept our students laughing and engaged. Students learned to program robots, culminating in thrilling head-to-head robot battles. Learners also solved equations in the most active way possible, by stomping their feet on the correct answers in an interactive exhibit. Additionally, students explored a wide range of STEAM topics, including biomimicry, electricity and the science of rainbows.

The crowd favorite was undoubtedly the Glider Plane Lab. Funded through a generous grant from the Ohio Aerospace Institute and NASA, this session allowed students to step into the shoes of aerospace engineers. They experimented with different materials, tested their flight capabilities and made real-time adjustments to improve their designs. Watching them apply physics concepts to get their gliders airborne was a true testament to the power of hands-on education.

Welcome to the April Edition of Live Well, Work Well

As the spring sun begins to brighten our days and boost our collective mood, this month’s edition focuses on refreshing your health and home for the season. In this issue, we dive into essential strategies for managing seasonal allergies, affecting one in four adults, with practical tips for allergen-proofing your living space using HEPA filters and simple hygiene shifts.

We also explore the critical difference between motivational and chronic stress, offering guidance on when to consult your provider. To support your nutritional goals, we have included a guide to cutting added sugars by focusing on whole foods and smarter beverage choices.

Inside this issue:

• Proactive steps to minimize spring allergy symptoms
• Simple ways to reduce added sugars to 10g per meal
• Latest findings on GLP-1 medications and the brain-boosting benefits of your morning coffee or tea
• Recipe of the Month

Check out Wellness in the News, and our monthly issue (tab below) to learn more about your health.

Happy reading and stay well!