Carter Takarsh, the 2024 West Virginia 4-H Youth in Action STEM Pillar from Putnam County, organized a STEM fair at the Valley Park Conference Center in Hurricane this summer.

The fair featured a variety of exhibitors, including Appalachian Power. Team members who represented the company at the event included Amanda McClellan, project coordinator senior; Ashley Hart, business operations coordinator senior; and Justin Kirk, engineer.

The team engaged with young participants in hands-on learning about circuits, conductors, switches and electricity. Using simple materials like popsicle sticks, watch batteries, LED bulbs, copper tape and binder clips, children constructed miniature flashlights while learning key electricity concepts.

Other exhibitors in attendance included WVU Cooperative Extension Service, WV Youth Environmental Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Arclin and the Clover STEMs 4-H Robotics team.