WEST LAFAYETTE, Ohio — A new group of Ridgewood students is building on the district’s success in artificial intelligence, presenting projects designed to support reading accessibility and personal wellness at the Ohio AI Impact Student Showcase on October 14, 2026, at The Ohioan in Lewis Center.
Ridgewood participants included Soledad Alonso, Brittleigh Bates, Kylee Bice, Alaena Huff, Keirra Cox, Lucy Ekleberry, Madelyn Klier and Karli Stickdorn. The showcase featured student innovation and included Intel, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and the Ohio ESC Association.
The students’ projects showed how emerging technology can address challenges people face in everyday life. StoryBridge, presented with the message “Different Needs. Same Stories. One Bridge,” explores ways to make reading more accessible through features such as narration, word highlighting, visual scenes, and adjustable presentation options.
Another project, GLOW — Grow. Listen. Opportunity and Wellness, proposes an AI-powered approach to supporting personal wellness. The concept includes journaling, daily check-ins, encouragement, and connections to helpful resources and trusted people.
“Our students are showing that innovation can begin right here in a rural school district,” said Superintendent Mike Masloski. “They are taking what they learn in class and applying it to challenges that matter. We are proud of their creativity, their willingness to think big and the way they represented Ridgewood.”
The students’ work also reflects Lester McCurdy's continued dedication, whose leadership is helping Ridgewood’s innovative AI class carry last year’s momentum forward with a new group of learners. His ongoing efforts provide students with opportunities to develop ideas, strengthen their skills, and share their work beyond the classroom.
“Lester has picked up right where we left off last year, opening doors for another group of students,” Masloski said. “His commitment, enthusiasm, and belief in what our students can accomplish continue to move this program forward. We appreciate the time and energy he invests in helping them see new possibilities for their futures.”
Bryan Raach, Director of Student Services, praised the students for connecting innovation with the needs of others.
“What stands out about these projects is that our students are thinking about how to help people,” Raach said. “Whether they are exploring ways to make reading more accessible or helping someone find support, they are combining creativity with compassion. These experiences build problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills that will serve them well in any future path.”
Ridgewood Local Schools congratulates the participating students and thanks McCurdy for his continued work to expand meaningful learning opportunities. Their participation in the showcase marks another step forward for a program that encourages students to turn curiosity into ideas with real-world purpose.