Joplin High School Junior accepted into MIT Summer Program

JOPLIN, Mo (KOAM) - Christian Cavener, a junior at Joplin High School, is set to spend his summer engaging in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Cavener is one of only about 80 students worldwide selected for this prestigious program, offering a six-week residential experience in Boston focused on technology, engineering, and science.

Cavener expressed his excitement about being chosen for the program, stating, "It's selective. It's a very small group of students who got accepted, and that allows you to develop tighter connections with the other students and with the faculty teaching the classes."

With a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Cavener sees this opportunity as validation of his dedication to these fields. "It feels great because, again, you know, I have a passion for STEM and I take a lot of time out of my day to practice and learn about STEM," he shared. "Taking part in this program really helps me truly know that I have a place in STEM."

Cavener's aspirations extend beyond the summer program; he hopes to attend MIT for college and pursue a career as a physics researcher. Additionally, he aims to bring back the knowledge gained from MIT to benefit his peers at Joplin High School. "I think that my summer program is going to help me further the content knowledge base," he explained. "So that next year when I do another physics research project... I'll have an even better pool of knowledge to pull from."

Cavener acknowledges the support of his teachers. Adam Bennett, a math teacher at Joplin High School, recalled encountering Cavener at the library during the summer, where he was studying Matrix algebra independently. "He's just done so much on his own," Bennett remarked.

Karisa Boyer, a science teacher and research sponsor at the school, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing Cavener's dedication. "I just feel like I've been a small, little blip in his success," Boyer said. "It takes a lot of dedication."

Boyer and Bennett expressed their pride in Cavener's accomplishments and his acceptance into the MIT program. "It's amazing because I know that's his dream," Boyer stated. "Knowing that he actually gets to go spend time there and work with people that are in his expertise, it is very, very rewarding."

Bennett echoed her sentiments, adding, "It makes me really proud to have been like a teeny tiny part of that and to have encouraged him."

Cavener was selected from a pool of nearly 4,100 applicants this year, with academic records being one of the factors considered for acceptance.

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