CORRECTION: A previous version of this story said the engineering camp was free to students. Students actually paid a fee to participate. (May 30, 2024)

LEXINGTON, Ky. — School may be out for the summer, but that’s not stopping some students from learning.


What You Need To Know

  • Summer break may be in full swing, but some Lexington middle-schoolers are diving into science 

  • Lexington Catholic High School's summer engineering camp gives them hands-on engineering experience 

  • The school also offers camps in basketball, softball and soccer 

Machinery is in motion, and some Lexington middle-schoolers have their hands on real engineering equipment.

Emerging seventh-grader Lack Aaron is participating in Lexington Catholic High School's summer engineering camp. Teacher and instructor Greg Jacobelli has helped bring the weeklong program to LCH for the past three years.

The goal is to get students excited about exploring the production and construction side of science while helping them gain independence, Jacobelli said. 

“I told them that instead of just throwing it away, take it apart," Jacobelli said. "I mean, it's already broken, so take it apart before you pitch it, see how it works and there's a chance you can fix it."

Though Jacobelli said they’re learning the basics of the trade and fundamentals, the program covers chemistry, welding and more. 

Lack said he'd love to pursue a science-related career such as being a problem-solving mechanical engineer. As summer kicks off, he and his peers are sharpening their skills and creativity.