Redhawks in Frisco ISD’s Independent Study and Mentorship program put the final touch on a year’s worth of research as they present their work at Final Presentation Night on Wednesday at The Nest with a gallery walk beginning at 6:15 p.m. and individual presentations starting at 7 p.m.
“Final Presentation Night is important because it gives students a platform to celebrate their hard work, and reflect on their growth throughout the ISM program,” ISM teacher Courtney Benson said. “It also builds confidence, professionalism, and offers a way to formally thank mentors and supporters.”
During Final Presentation Night, students have an opportunity to present their entire year’s worth of research on their chosen topic, culminating in the creation of their Final Product, which is typically an original solution to a problem identified within their topic.
“Students deliver formal presentations about their ISM journeys, includ[ing] sharing what they researched, the mentorships they engaged in, the professional experiences they had, and highlights of their final products,” Benson said. “Many also set up display boards or exhibits to show off their work in more detail.”
The event is divided into two segments: the gallery walk in the cafeteria where visitors can see all ISM students’ trifolds and explore their research followed by individual in-depth presentations on students’ specific topics.
“My overall topic was about economics, but I focused more on social security for my Original Work [and] I wrote a bill,” junior Mahi Kosuri said. “For Final Product, it was about libraries and the impact they have on communities.”
Students’ preparation for Final Presentation Night doesn’t just end with developing their Final Product, however. Students also have to develop a trifold board and a binder, containing all their research, as well as a thirty minute presentation that encompasses the full breadth of their research over the year.
“I prepared for the ISM Final Presentation by presenting to my mentor and 8th graders at Vandeventer, which gave me experience of the different types of presentation questions and how to keep an audience engaged,” Kosuri said.
Still, Kosuri finds the presentation to be the most stressful part of the entire event, particularly the requirement for the speech to take thirty minutes.
“I am most stressed about timing, because the last two times I presented it is not a total representation of what I want for Final Presentation Night,” Kosuri said.
Regardless of the countless details and the stress associated with Final Presentation Night, the event still provides students an opportunity to commemorate all they’ve accomplished and created and share it with those near and dear.
“This is very special as students get to celebrate and share the hard work they put in all year long,” senior Riya Sharma said. “After putting in so much work and effort over the past year, it’s great to be able to present my findings and projects to loved ones.”
