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Del Rio 11-year-old Kenneth Alexander returned Friday from the National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program at the University of Texas in Dallas, where teacher-selected students have the opportunity to explore careers options in STEM fields.

Michele Schetter, Alexanders fifth grade teacher at Ruben Chavira Elementary School, nominated him to participate in the five-day STEM program. The programs curriculum focused on areas including medical science, engineering, leadership and crime scene investigation, Alexander said.

It was a full day. He came home mentally exhausted, said his great-aunt, Sylvia Cyprian, who accompanied him to Dallas.

It was longer than school hours, Alexander added.

During the medical science segment, Alexander, Chaviras fifth grade class president, said they learned about different medicines and how to take their pulse. His class also dissected cow hearts.

The crime scene investigation class focused on an age-appropriate scenario, in which they located a map and treasure chest that were stolen by pirates, he said. The program also included a robotics challenge, which he took to easily given his experience with the districts robotics program, he said.

While in Dallas, Alexander spent time with his aunt, uncle, brother and sister, sightseeing, swimming at the hotel pool and watching Spiderman Homecoming at LOOK theater. They also enjoyed a meal at Medieval Times, he said.

When Alexander isnt excelling in STEM-based programs, he said he enjoys playing video games, basketball, and football. He said he hopes to play for the Dallas Cowboys like his favorite athlete, Ezekiel Elliott. Hes played football since he was eight-years-old and was recently named most valuable player on his football team, he said.

He comes home all beaten up and bruised and sore and does it again the next day, said Cyprian.

This coming fall, Alexander will enter San Felipe Memorial Middle school as a sixth grader, where he will take advanced courses in technology, Spanish and art, he said.

Im very grateful for all my blessings. I would like to thank the community for a successful fundraiser that helped with the universitys tuition as well as all who helped during the fundraiser, he said.

He thanked his mother and stepfather, Jessica and Victor Gonzalez, for allowing him to attend the program my sister, Nevaeh for her support, and my uncle and aunt Robert and Sylvia Cyprian for taking me to Dallas. Special thanks to my grandfather, Jessie Barrera and my great grandparents, Salomon and Hilda Riojas for their continued support.

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Local student attends STEM program in Dallas - Del Rio News Herald