In the heart of Fredonia, Kansas, Lara Staker is reimagining what it means for students to truly belong at school. Where some might see gaps or challenges, Lara sees opportunities to connect learning to real life. By blending hands‑on projects, vocational math, and strong community partnerships, she’s creating an environment where students feel seen, supported, and capable of so much more. In her alternative learning program, relevance fuels curiosity, and every step forward helps students build confidence in who they are and what they can do.

Lara’s work is rooted in lessons she learned early in life from her father—resourcefulness, resilience, and the belief that practical skills matter. Those values now guide her approach to helping students explore pathways beyond traditional academics, from welding and construction to data and emerging trades. She looks beyond her immediate surroundings for new ideas, adapting what works and shaping opportunities that align with her students’ strengths and the realities they face.

The impact is clear. Students who once felt overlooked now show up more, connect more deeply, and begin to see futures they didn’t know were possible. Engagement increases. Confidence grows. Options expand. And when educators like Lara are empowered to innovate, entire communities start to see new possibilities—and young people discover what they’re capable of achieving.

· Giving students real‑world, hands‑on experiences builds confidence and belonging.

· Industry‑aligned projects help connect learning to meaningful career pathways.

· When teachers are supported to innovate, students and communities thrive together.