Cincinnati, Ohio, April 19, 2016 – Most people would enjoy a piece of raspberry pie for dessert, but for Saint Ursula Academy senior Sydney Gleckler of Montgomery, “Raspberry Pi” is opening the doors to a bright future in technology. Her basic training on this small device has challenged her to explore how to use technology to control electricity.
Technology has always fascinated Sydney, which is why she was excited to take an after school technology class, offered by the University of Cincinnati in exclusive partnership with Saint Ursula Academy. UC classes are offered to SUA students in all grade levels throughout the school year and focus on web design, basic programming, and app development. Last semester’s course focused on “Raspberry Pi”, “a small credit-card sized, barebones computer developed with the intention of providing low-cost computers to students.” Sydney was intrigued by the capabilities of this tiny computer and the ability to program it to do multiple tasks.
While taking the Raspberry Pi class, Sydney began to reflect on what type of project she should complete for her senior capstone project, a part of the curriculum for many seniors at Saint Ursula. Within this program, students must examine a real-life problem and come up with a solution. Since Sydney was taking AP physics and engineering, she decided to wire a small-scale home and use the raspberry pi to create a light show. Sydney was able to incorporate electrical engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical/civil engineering and impress students and faculty attending her presentation.
Sydney explained that her project was more difficult than she expected due to its complexity, but with some internet research and help from faculty at Saint Ursula and University of Cincinnati, she was able to create a fantastic light show to share with her peers.
In addition to soaking up every after school technology course that Saint Ursula Academy offers, Sydney is also involved in the coding club, National Honor Society, Students for Advancement, Student Outreach Service, and InterAlliance at SUA. She also plays sand volleyball, works two jobs, and is part of the junior ROTC program.
Thanks to her Raspberry Pi project and her academic success, Sydney was the only student (out of more than 75 applicants) awarded the ROTC Commander’s Scholarship to attend the University of Cincinnati in the fall, where she will study computer engineering. She hopes this will lead to a future in cyber security.
“I believe that our future wars will take place in the cyber world, therefore I want to help prevent future cyber attacks and protect our country. I am so excited to go into the military and I can’t wait to see where my education takes me next!” said Sydney when asked about her plans for the future.
Sydney Gleckler has embodied the mission of Saint Ursula Academy, a confident leader who is committed to building a better world.
St. Ursula Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory, secondary school for young women known for academic excellence and rich tradition. St. Ursula welcomes students from more than 70 grade schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. In 2002 the Academy was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. The campus, located at 1339 E. McMillan Street in East Walnut Hills has been the home of St. Ursula Academy and Convent since 1910. The Class of 2015 earned college scholarships totaling more than $19-million.
Photo Caption: Saint Ursula Academy senior Sydney Gleckler of Montgomery prepares to share her light show, powered by a “Raspberry Pi”, with classmates and faculty.