The message was clear from the start: you belong here.

That was the takeaway for 62 girls from Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School who attended the  Girls Rock STEAM event in Nanuet this past weekend, an experience designed specifically to create space for girls to see themselves in fields where they have not always been equally represented.

Now in its fourth year of participation, Croton-Harmon’s presence at the event has grown significantly. This year, Croton had by far the largest group of students in attendance, reflecting a growing interest and confidence in STEAM among its students.

Led by teachers Jenny Rescigno, Ian Gallagher, and Travis Moll, students engaged in a wide range of hands-on activities, including squid dissection, creating a mini hurricane, and making ice cream. Each experience offered a different way to explore scientific concepts while building curiosity and confidence.

For Mackenzie, one of the best parts of the day was making slime. I loved learning about how different ingredients can be mixed to create a gooey substance. We got to play with it, have a lot of fun, and even bring it home!” While Emma said: “(The event) made me more excited to do more science-like activities, like dissecting specimens and making my own ice cream.”

A highlight of the day was a keynote address from a Nanuet alumna now completing her residency in orthopedic surgery. She spoke about the importance of representation and the need to see yourself in spaces like STEAM. She also shared her experience with imposter syndrome, explaining that even now, those feelings can arise—and that they are valid.

Her message resonated with students, reinforcing that what they are feeling is normal—and that they are capable of succeeding in these fields.

For teacher Ian Gallagher, the impact is already visible back at school.

“I’m seeing a real shift among the girls in my classes. There’s a growing interest and confidence in STEAM, and that’s empowering to see,” he said. “They’re more willing to step into leadership roles and take ownership of their learning. It’s also powerful to see them in a different setting, learning in new ways.”

Jenny Rescigno, who first brought Croton-Harmon students to the event four years ago, reflected on the program’s growth.

“When we started, it was about giving girls an opportunity to try something new,” she said. “Now, it’s about helping them see what’s possible. To watch this grow - and to see so many students eager to be part of it - has been incredibly meaningful.”

That impact extended well beyond the event itself. Students returned home energized, eager to share their experiences and what they had learned with their families. Parents shared how meaningful the day was for their children, describing a noticeable sense of excitement, confidence, and possibility.

For Phoebe, the experience left a lasting impression.

“I thought the trip was really powerful because it was all about supporting girls in fields that are often seen as male-dominated. I was especially excited to hear the speaker, because she became a doctor and I want to be a neurologist. Hearing her talk about the challenges she faced and how she ignored the negativity was really inspiring. It made me feel like I can do it too.