Waukee APEX Alumni LookBook - Issue 01 - 2025 : simplebooklet.com

DIRECTOR OF WORK-BASED LEARNINGMichelle HillFrom the DirectorAs we celebrate 10+ incredible years of WaukeeAspiring Professional Experience (APEX), I am filledwith gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. Whatbegan as a vision to connect students with real-worldexperiences has grown into a transformative programthat empowers students to explore their passions,develop critical skills, and collaborate with industryleaders. These opportunities have prepared countlessstudents for success in their academic andprofessional journeys while building confidence andresilience.This success would not have been possible withoutour incredible partners, mentors, and educators whohave provided meaningful opportunities for studentsto learn and grow. We are deeply grateful for thesupport of families and the community, whose beliefin the power of experiential learning has beeninstrumental in our achievements.As we look to the future, Waukee APEX and WaukeeCommunity School District will continue to adapt,innovate, and lead, ensuring students are ready tomeet challenges and embrace new opportunities. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, weare creating a legacy of success and a bright futurefor the next generation.With gratitude,02ALUMNI LOOKBOOKISSUE 01

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With a growing passion for actuarial science as apotential college major and career path, AlexHoffman sought opportunities to deepen hisunderstanding of the field. That’s where WaukeeAPEX made an impact. As part of the program’sinaugural year, Alex enrolled in the Foundations ofInsurance & Actuarial Science course. Theexperience introduced him to essential actuarialconcepts and provided exposure to industryprofessionals, including prominent insuranceexecutives, agents, and the Iowa InsuranceCommissioner. Hands-on activities, like developinga car insurance model with classmates, broadenedAlex’s understanding of different types of insurance.Unique experiences, such as a visit to the IowaInsurance Division, further enriched his learning.“It gave me the opportunity to step outside of mycomfort zone,” Alex shared. Despite starting withlimited knowledge of actuarial science, he thrivedwith the support and resources offered by WaukeeAPEX. Beyond technical expertise, Alex alsocredited the program with enhancing his soft skills.It taught him how to navigate challenges, thinkcritically to develop solutions, and recognize whento seek assistance—all skills essential for success. “I gained much better communication skills andimproved my networking abilities,” he explained.These experiences not only prepared him 05for future opportunities but also cultivated a strongfoundation in professionalism.After high school, Alex attended Simpson College,where he earned degrees in Actuarial Science andEconomics: Finance, with a minor in ComputerScience. During his junior year, he secured asummer internship at Farm Bureau FinancialServices. This opportunity, combined withconnections formed during Waukee APEX,confirmed his interest in the company. Followinggraduation, Alex joined Farm Bureau as a full-timeActuarial Associate, where he continues to thrive inhis career. Reflecting on his journey, Alexencourages high school students to embraceopportunities like work-based learning programs.“Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfortzone,” he advises. Through Waukee APEX, Alex notonly gained valuable insights into the actuarialprofession but also worked on a project with hisnow-supervisor at Farm Bureau. This earlyconnection allowed him to experience thecompany’s culture and affirm his desire to workthere.“I was able to get a general feel for what anactuarial career looks like,” Alex said. Thanks toWaukee APEX, he gained the skills, connections,and confidence to launch a successful career inactuarial science.https://apex.waukeeschools.org/for-students/an-apex-semester/foundations-insurance-actuarial-science/

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BY SULEIMAN DELATI | PHOTOGRAPHY FROM SHELDON FOX Sheldon’s journey exemplifies the transformativeimpact of hands-on learning and professionalexposure. As an APEX alumni from a decade ago,he progressed from a high school student withlimited knowledge of finance to a pivotal role at aprestigious investment management firm in NewYork City.During his time in the APEX program, Sheldon tookthe Finance, Banking & Investments course. “APEXsounded very interesting, like it would provide realor quasi-real work experience. I thought it’d be aperfect opportunity to gain professional insight,”he recalled.Sheldon’s projects in APEX offered him a glimpseinto the professional world and prepared him for afuture career in finance. One standout project wasa collaboration with Kidder Benefits, a localfinance consulting company, where his teamcreated a tax simulator in Microsoft Excel. The toolillustrated various outcomes based on investmentamounts, a project Sheldon described as “one ofthe most valuable” he worked on. This hands-onexperience led directly to an internship with KidderBenefits the following summer.In addition to the tax simulator, Sheldonparticipated in an investment competition, where 06ALUMNI LOOKBOOKISSUE 01Waukee to NYCFINANCE & INSURANCESheldon FoxSheldon Fox workingfrom his office in NYC.Sheldon Fox, 2016 graduate,transferred his financiallearning in APEX to a career infinance in New York City.

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APEX REALLY GAVEMY THE CHANCETO SEE WHATWORKING INFINANCE WORLD ISREALLY LIKE ATYOUNG AGE.07he gained foundational skills in basic stockvaluation. “These experiences gave me thebuilding blocks for my future in finance,” he noted.When asked about the specific skills he gainedduring his APEX experience, Sheldon highlightedits holistic impact. “My short answer is really all ofthem — general work experience, how to dress,how to communicate, how to greet people, reallyeverything,” he shared. The program, under theguidance of his instructor Jesse Hunt, introducedSheldon to the professional world in a meaningfulway, extending beyond traditional classroomlearning.After graduating high school, Sheldon pursued adouble major in Finance and Economics at theUniversity of Iowa. Upon graduating in 2021, hejoined PIMCO, an investment managementcompany in New York City, where he worked onthe account and client relationships team,managing large institutional public clients.Recently, Sheldon transitioned to a senior role atCapital Group, another renowned investmentmanagement firm, where he focuses on businessdevelopment and manages key clients on the EastCoast.Sheldon credits APEX with equipping him forprofessional success, from resume workshops tointerview preparation and group presentations. Theprogram provided a solid foundation that helpedhim excel in the highly competitive financeindustry. I DON’T WANT TOSEEM LIKE A PAIDACTOR, BUT APEXWAS REALLY HUGEFOR ME. “APEX gave me the chance to see what working inthe financial world is really like at a young age,” hesaid. This opportunity was particularly meaningfulgiven that his family did not have a background inthe financial sector.For high school students considering work-basedlearning courses, Sheldon offers enthusiasticencouragement: “Just do it. The experience yougain from APEX is invaluable. It providesopportunities that many colleges don’t offer.”Sheldon’s story is a testament to how APEX canopen doors to professional growth, setting studentson a path to success in their chosen careers.https://apex.waukeeschools.org/for-students/an-apex-semester/finance-banking-investments/

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From Sketches toSuccessElla Titus is making waves in the fashion world as an independent designer based in Los Angeles,California. With a unique approach that draws inspiration from art and architecture, Ella createsgowns that marry bold, structural silhouettes with soft, feminine details. Her designs are a modern,timeless celebration for the creative and daring bride. Currently, her brand is expanding its reach toglobal fashion capitals like London, New York, and Milan. But before stepping onto the world stage,Ella began her journey right here in Waukee as an APEX student.BY AVERY GULLIFORD | PHOTOGRAPHY FROM ELLA TITUS 08ALUMNI LOOKBOOKISSUE 01How Ella Titus Created Her Fashion RealityBUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY, & COMMUNICATION

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As one of the first students to study at the WaukeeInnovation and Learning Center (WILC) when itopened in 2017, Ella embraced the opportunitiesAPEX offered, taking three courses during highschool: Design Communication Solutions (DCS),Developing Web-Based Technologies (DWT), andone of the first sections of the APEXEntrepreneurship course, Business Startup.Reflecting on her time in the program, Ella creditsAPEX with building the foundation of skills she nowuses to run her business.During her APEX experience, Ella worked on real-world projects that shaped her professional growth.She collaborated with Hy-Vee to design newpackaging, created web pages for a vintageboutique in Adel, and began establishing herpersonal brand. These projects honed her abilities inclient management, scheduling, and professionalcommunication. “Even basic skills, like writing aprofessional email, made a huge difference,” Ellashares. “When I moved to Los Angeles, I realizedhow valuable those skills were—many people I metdidn’t have that kind of training.”“BEFORE I STARTED APEX, I WAS VERY SHY ANDQUIET. THE PROGRAM HELPED ME COME OUT OF MYSHELL. NOW, I ATTEND NETWORKING EVENTS FORMY BRAND ALL THE TIME, AND I REALLY THINK APEXSET ME UP WELL TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.09APEX wasn’t just a professional turning point forElla; it was also a place of personal transformation.“Before APEX, I was shy and reserved,” she reflects.“The program helped me come out of my shell.Now, I attend networking events for my brand all thetime, and I really think APEX set me up well to beable to do that.”Ella’s passion for creativity extended beyond APEX.In high school, she thrived in the theatredepartment, designing costumes for schoolmusicals, directing Friday Night Live, andoccasionally stepping on stage herself. Herentrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found WaukeeHigh School’s Fashion Club, which culminated in itsfirst-ever fashion show.Today, Ella exemplifies the vision andprofessionalism APEX strives to inspire. Her journeyfrom Waukee to the global fashion scene is atestament to the program’s impact in cultivatinginnovation, confidence, and leadership. Ella’s storyreminds us that bold dreams, supported by the rightfoundation, can lead to extraordinary achievements.https://www.ellatitus.com

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Vivian Le, a visual artist from the Midwest, has builtan impressive career in photography, design, andproduction. Currently a photo editor andphotographer for NBC Select and TODAY, Viviancredits much of her success to her formativeexperiences in the APEX program during highschool. “Having someone believe in you is thebiggest takeaway you can have from this program,”she reflects.Vivian’s journey with APEX began during its earlydevelopment, when the program was still known asCAPS. Introduced to the opportunity by MichelleHill, now the director of work-based learning,Vivian joined the initiative eager to embrace real-world, hands-on learning experiences. “It wasawesome that instructors and schools trusted us tomake decisions, get out there, and work with realprofessionals on meaningful projects,” she says.As one of the students in the program’s pioneeringDesigning Communication Solutions andDeveloping Web-Based Tech courses, Vivianplayed a key role in shaping the APEX program intowhat it is today. She and her peers brainstormedand pitched the name Aspiring ProfessionalExperience (APEX) to replace CAPS, presentingtheir vision to the school board. Their effortshelped define the program’s identity and leave alasting mark on its evolution. In addition to her work with APEX, Vivian wasdeeply involved in Waukee High School’spublications department, where she led thecreation of the school’s first magazine-style editionof the Arrowhead Newspaper, a publication thatremains a cornerstone of student journalism atWaukee High School.The skills and confidence Vivian developedthrough APEX and her high school projects laid thefoundation for her future success. At APEX, shehoned her communication abilities, learning how toask insightful questions and connect withprofessionals. “One of the biggest things I learnedwas that everyone’s path is different, and there’sno one right way to get where you want to be,” sheshares. These lessons propelled her into college,where she attended the University of Iowa andbecame an integral part of the journalism program.. 11https://www.vivianle.co/ While in college, Vivian co-founded an art andculture magazine, bringing writers and artiststogether to collaborate on creative projects. Thisinitiative, along with her APEX portfolio, openeddoors to roles in graphic design and ultimately ledher to NBC, where she now manages independentprojects and collaborates with renownedprofessionals in the media industry.Vivian encourages current students to seizeopportunities like APEX to explore their passions.“There are so many opportunities you’re missing outon by only taking classroom-based classes,” sheadvises. “It’s fun to work on the things you want toexplore. This isn’t a common experience, so takeadvantage of it.” Her story stands as a testament tothe power of mentorship, real-world learning, andcreative ambition. Vivian Le’s legacy at APEX andbeyond continues to inspire the next generation ofaspiring professionals.THERE’S NO ONE RIGHTWAY TO GET WHERE YOUWANT TO BE.

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Pioneering Success inWork-Based LearningQueenie WongENGINEERINGQueenie Wong has carved out an inspiring path asthe first high school student in Waukee’s APEXprogram to secure a full-time position through theIowaLearns™ initiative, a pre-apprenticeship typeprogram collaborative between DMACC and theAnkeny manufacturing company, Accumold. Upongraduating, Queenie accepted a role as a QualityTechnician at Accumold, a long-time premierpartner of APEX. Her journey is a testament to howhands-on learning and real-world experience canunlock incredible opportunities.Under APEX’s Engineering umbrella, Queenie tookEngineering Technology & Robotics andConstruction Leadership during her junior andsenior years with instructor Tyler Wright. Thesecourses complemented her prior foundationalknowledge, such as Intro to Engineering in theProject Lead the Way program at Waukee HighSchool, and provided exactly what she wasseeking: real-world engineering experience.While at APEX, Queenie worked on impactfulprojects that combined technical learning withcommunity service. She collaborated with the Cityof Waukee to design and build a bench, draftingblueprints and creating a tangible result for publicuse in the Waukee Triangle. Similarly, throughConstruction Leadership, she partnered withHabitat for Humanity to design and construct ashed for a non-profit organization dedicated toproviding shelter for those in need. These projectsnot only enhanced her technical skills in draftingand project management but also deepened herunderstanding of collaboration and leadership.“The two years I spent in APEX really preparedme,” Queenie shares. “I gained so much—fromlearning how to draft drawings to managingprojects—and all of that directly connects to whatI’m doing now.”Queenie Wong, accepted a full time position at Accumold following her time in the IowaLearns™ initiative.BY SULEIMAN DELATI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY QUEENIE WONG & ACCUMOLD12ALUMNI LOOKBOOKISSUE 01

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Today, Queenie thrives as a QualityTechnician at Accumold. With thecompany’s support, she works alongsideengineers, continues her education, andpursues her passion for hands-onproblem-solving. Her role exemplifieshow APEX and its partners preparestudents for both professional andacademic success.Queenie encourages other students toexplore work-based learning programslike APEX: “I would say, definitely try itout. There’s not much to lose,” sheadvises.Queenie Wong’s journey from APEXstudent to full-time professional is ashining example of the program’smission: to empower students with theskills, confidence, and connections theyneed to succeed in their chosen fields.13TRY IT OUT.THERE’S NOTMUCH TO LOSE.https://accu-mold.com/iowa-learns/

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During his time at Waukee Community SchoolDistrict (CSD), Jack Sieleman discovered a passionfor solving real-world problems through hands-onwork, a skill he honed in two APEX classes: NextGeneration Energy (NGE) and EngineeringTechnology & Robotics (ETR). Today, that passionhas propelled him to an extraordinary career as apropulsion systems engineer at NASA’s JohnsonSpace Center.“What initially drew me to APEX was theopportunity to work on projects outside of atraditional classroom setting,” Jack recalls. “As asophomore, I had Tyler Wright as a teacher, and heshared some of the incredible projects studentswere doing. I was intrigued by the idea of gettingto work on something impactful while still in highschool.”In his NGE class, Jack and his team evaluatedresidential homes to assess the feasibility of solarpower with battery backups. They worked with aninterested client, measuring rooftops, calculatingenergy needs, and designing solutions todetermine if solar was a good fit. In his ETR class,Jack’s team collaborated with an electronicsdistributor and a mechanical systems company todevelop a marketing demonstration for theirequipment. The project involved designing andassembling a smaller-scale demo that could betaken to trade shows, managing a budget, andpresenting a professional solution.“APEX taught me how to think differently,” Jackexplains. “When you’re working on a project thatimpacts an actual company, it changes how youapproach problem-solving. You’re not just solvinga hypothetical problem on paper—there are realstakes, and that challenges you in a unique way.It’s a mindset shift that I carried with me intocollege and beyond.”In addition to APEX, Jack immersed himself inProject Lead The Way (PLTW) courses and otherengineering electives at WHS. These experiencessolidified his decision to pursue a career inengineering. Outside the classroom, he spentthree years on the theater production’s light andsound crews, which taught him the value ofcollaboration and creativity.After high school, Jack earned a Bachelor ofScience in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on 15https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/hardware design and analysis. At NASA, he nowoperates propulsion systems for the Artemisprogram and the Commercial Crew Program. His role includes planning, training, and executingpropulsion system operations as a flight controllerfor Artemis missions to the moon, as well asensuring the readiness of the Dragon spacecraft forits biannual missions to the International SpaceStation.“The first time most people learn to solve realproblems is in college or later,” Jack says. “APEXgave me that experience much earlier. It’s one thingto solve a problem on paper; it’s entirely differentwhen time and money are on the line, and you’reworking with physical equipment.”For students considering work-based learningprograms like APEX, Jack’s advice is simple: “Do it!APEX provides two invaluable benefits: first, real-world experience working with clients and a team,and second, clarity about your future. Somestudents discover their passion and pursue it further;others realize a particular field isn’t for them, whichis just as valuable. Getting that clarity in high schoolwithout the cost of college tuition is a hugeadvantage.”Jack has come full circle, now mentoring aspiringengineers and young students interested inspaceflight and aerospace. “We only grow by facingand battling challenges,” he reflects. “Looking backon those battles from my seat in mission control, Icouldn’t imagine doing anything other than spaceand engineering.

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Meaghan joined APEX in the program’s secondyear, inspired by her ambition to pursue a career inmedicine but unsure of the steps to take. Sheenrolled in the Exploration of Health Sciences &Medicine course, seeing it as a chance to explorethe medical field before fully committing. “I thoughtit was a great way to experience and practicemedicine before committing to it as a career,”Meaghan explained.Her time in APEX proved transformational. Theprogram helped her develop the focus, stamina, anddetermination needed to navigate the rigorous pathto becoming a physician. Meaghan likened herexperience in medical school to the demanding butrewarding challenges she encountered as a WaukeeAPEX student, particularly while working on client-driven projects. These experiences taught herperseverance and prepared her for the complexity ofa medical career.Waukee APEX also played a pivotal role inMeaghan’s decision to attend Des MoinesUniversity. “As soon as I did Waukee APEX and wasimmersed in the culture at Des Moines University, Iknew that was where I wanted to go to medicalschool,” she shared. Alongside her academicinsights, Meaghan contributed to meaningfulprojects, such as designing a sensory garden andcreating way-finding graphics for On With Life, abrain rehabilitation center.17https://www.dmu.edu/waukee-apex-programMeaghan Greteman (Front Row, Second Left) with her Exploration of Health Sciences team at Des Moines UniversityDes Moines University, a founding partner, continues theirpartnership with Waukee APEX at the new DMU facility on GrandAvenue in West Des MoinesWhen asked what advice she would offer tostudents considering an APEX course, Meaghanencouraged them to seize the opportunity. “Theprofessional skills you gain from APEX are ones noother class will teach you, and the connections youbuild with the community will serve you well in thefuture.”Meaghan’s journey is a testament to the power ofexploration, perseverance, and communityconnection. With her sights set on emergencymedicine, she carries the lessons and experiencesfrom APEX into every step of her career. Whenasked what advice she’d give to a studentconsidering an APEX course, her response was “Theopportunity is there, take it. The professional skillsyou gain from APEX are some that no other class willteach you and the connections that you build withthe community will serve you well in the future.”

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Building Skills,Breaking BarriersIan’s high school journey is a testament to thetransformative power of hands-on learning.During his time in the APEX program, Ianparticipated in both the Design CommunicationSolutions and Exercise and Sport Sciencecourses. These experiences not only shaped hishigh school years but also laid the foundation forhis career.Reflecting on APEX, Ian shares, “It was nice tolearn all the skills that I still use today in myregular job, in high school.” He was drawn to theprogram’s unique blend of creativity and real-world application, which allowed him to leave alasting impact through his projects.One of Ian’s most memorable contributions washelping launch the Iowa Girl Program incollaboration with the Iowa High School AthleticUnion. He worked on building a database andpromoting physical activity through innovativeprojects, such as constructing mini-golf coursesand organizing a ping pong tournament. In hisdesign course, Ian also stepped into aphotography role, capturing headshots forclassmates and even photographing Apple CEOTim Cook when he visited the program.“APEX gave me the opportunity to be creative,”Ian recalls. The program fostered his ability tothink outside the box, solve problems, and tacklechallenges head-on. It also instilled vital life skillslike teamwork and adaptability. “Getting outsideof my comfort zone and being willing to work hardare some of the best skills I took away fromAPEX,” he explains.In addition to his APEX involvement, Ianparticipated in the School-to-Work program,where he partnered with Drake University to helpset up and run the Drake Relays. This hands-onexperience reinforced his passion for sports andfurther prepared him for his future endeavors.After high school, Ian attended GraysonUniversity, where he served as a student assistantcoach for their basketball program. The coachingexperience he gained there laid the foundation forhis current role as an assistant girls basketballcoach at Grandview University. “All of theseexperiences prepared me for my job atGrandview,” Ian says, emphasizing theconnection between his high school projects andhis professional career.18 ALUMNI LOOKBOOKISSUE 01Ian KeiderlingHUMAN SERVICESBY AVERY GULLIFORD | PHOTOGRAPHY FROM IAN KEIDERLING

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19Ian attributes APEX’s Exercise and Sport Sciencecourse as a pivotal moment in his journey. “I’vealways been passionate about sports, so the sportsscience class gave me the hands-on experience ofworking with athletes,” he explains. The lessons helearned about working with different teams andpersonalities have also had a lasting impact. “InAPEX, you get to work with different people, teams,and personalities. Learning how to work with alltypes of people has helped me become a bettercoach because I can talk to all types of players.”For students considering a work-based learningclass, Ian offers this advice: “Project-based learningis the best way to build your resume anddifferentiate yourself from other students. How youdo anything is how you do everything. If you gothrough the motions, it’s not going to turn out asgreat. But if you go all in, you will either find thatthis is something you want to do in the future or youwill learn skills you can take into any line of work.”Ian’s story is a powerful reminder of the value ofwork-based learning. From high school projects tocoaching collegiate athletes, Ian’s ability toembrace challenges and apply his skills has beenkey to his success. HOW YOU DO ANYTHINGIS HOW YOU DOEVERYTHING. IF YOU GOTHROUGH THE MOTIONS,IT’S NOT GOING TO TURNOUT AS GREAT. BUT IF YOUGO ALL IN, YOU WILLEITHER FIND THAT THIS ISSOMETHING YOU WANTTO DO IN THE FUTURE ORYOU WILL LEARN SKILLSYOU CAN TAKE INTO ANYLINE OF WORK.19https://gvvikings.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/ian-keiderling/1189

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network in providing real-world opportunities andfostering professional growth.Today, Brandon is thriving at Michigan StateUniversity, where he is pursuing a graduate degreein plant biology. He acknowledges APEX as a keyfactor in developing the motivation and initiativethat have been instrumental in his success. Whenasked what advice he would give to high schoolstudents considering APEX, Brandon emphasizedthe importance of taking ownership of theexperience.“What’s your drive?” he asked, encouragingstudents to think about their goals. “APEX is one ofthose rare programs that gives you time to focus onyou. I’d say just go for it. You’re going to getsomething out of it.”Through Waukee APEX, Brandon found the tools,mentorship, and opportunities to turn his passionfor agriculture into a promising future. His storyhighlights how initiative, curiosity, and real-worldconnections can transform aspirations intoachievements, paving the way for a career thataddresses some of the world’s most importing andpressing challenges.Brandon Beall’s passion for agriculture took root inhigh school, where he participated in the WorldFood Prize Youth Program during his junior year.This transformative experience introduced him tocritical global issues such as food and waterscarcity, igniting his curiosity about innovativesolutions to these pressing challenges. It alsoinspired him to explore a career that integrates hisinterests in global agriculture, large-scaleproblem-solving, and genetics.In his senior year, Brandon discovered the GlobalFood Systems course offered through WaukeeAPEX, which felt like a natural progression of hisjourney. “Wow, that sounds like the most relevantthing for me right now,” he recalled, recognizingits alignment with his aspirations.The course provided Brandon with hands-onlearning opportunities, including visits to BlankPark Zoo and Iowa State University, where hegained practical insights into the agricultural field.Former APEX agriculture instructor Cindy Snell,aware of Brandon’s involvement with the WorldFood Prize Youth Program, encouraged him to takean active role in engaging his peers in meaningfulprojects. Through the course, students exploredagricultural esearch topics that not only deepenedtheir understanding of global food systems butalso helped shape their academic and careerpaths.One of Brandon’s most impactful experiences withAPEX was a job shadowing opportunity at Kemin, aglobal company specializing in chemical solutions.This opportunity, secured through arecommendation from former APEX bioscienceresearch instructor Dr. Holly Showalter, became apivotal moment in Brandon’s journey. The jobshadowing experience led to a summer internshipwith Kemin after his freshman year of college,demonstrating the power of Waukee APEX’s21https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/youth_programs/

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In the fall semester of 2019, Caty enrolled in theAnimal & Veterinary Science course during hersenior year of high school. She describes it as a“taste into the animal science and vet world,” apivotal experience that helped prepare her forsuccess in Iowa State University’s animal scienceprogram.Caty’s time in APEX had a profound impact on hereducation and career. Through partnerships withorganizations like Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, sheworked on a poster project analyzing the diet anddigestion of ruminant animals, gaining valuablehands-on experience in animal nutrition.Additionally, she collaborated with Iowa StateExtension and Outreach on an educational projectthat emphasized the importance of pollinators in theenvironment. This initiative allowed Caty and herclassmates to educate elementary students aboutthe vital role pollinators play in facilitating pollentransfer and supporting ecosystems.A defining moment in Caty’s APEX experience wasmeeting Dr. Angie Gearhart, the course advisor anda key mentor in Caty’s journey. During a class trip toIowa Veterinary Specialties, Caty connected withDr. Gearhart, forming a professional relationship thatextended beyond high school. This mentorship notonly provided invaluable guidance but also led toCaty’s first veterinary job at Iowa Veterinary Specialties, where she gained practicalexperience in the field.After graduating from high school, Caty pursued abachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Iowa StateUniversity. Throughout her undergraduate years,she enriched her education with part-time jobsand internships, including one with Elanco. Uponearning her degree in May 2024, Caty took thenext step in her journey by enrolling in Iowa State’sCollege of Veterinary Medicine, where she iscurrently working toward becoming a fully-fledgedveterinarian.Reflecting on her experiences, Caty encourageshigh school students to embrace work-basedlearning opportunities. “If you’re considering awork-based learning class, I would fully encourageit. It’s one thing to learn about a career in aclassroom setting, but when you actually get outthere and see it in action, you really understandwhat the job entails,” she shares.Caty’s story highlights the transformative power ofhands-on learning, mentorship, and real-worldexperiences in turning dreams into reality. Fromher early days at APEX to veterinary school, Catycontinues to build on the foundation sheestablished in high school, driven by her lifelongpassion for animal care.IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING A WORK-BASED LEARNING CLASS, I WOULD FULLY ENCOURAGE IT.23Equine Physical Exam Laboratory through the StudentChapter of American Association of EquinePractioners.Caty’s Bio Quality Control internship at Elanco AnimalHealth in Fort Dodge, Iowa.https://apex.waukeeschools.org/economic-sectors/bioscience-and-agriculture/

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A Decade ofPartnershipDLR GroupBUSINESS PARTNER HIGHLIGHTFor over a decade, DLR Group, an employee-owned design firm that provides architecture,engineering, planning, and interior designservices, has been a key partner in the WaukeeAPEX program, bridging the gap betweeneducation and industry. DLR Group was one of thefirst founding businesses and host sites for theWaukee APEX program, taking a chance on anunknown education and workforce developmentprogram. "We were intrigued by integrating students intothe workplace," Andrew Van Leewen, SeniorDesign Lead and Principal from DLR Group DesMoines office, shared, recalling their earlyinspiration from their Kansas office working with asimilar program. Despite initial nervousness, theyembraced the challenge, offering their office spaceand expertise to support real-world learning.DLR Group has remained involved with the APEXprogram over the years because of the tangibleimpact on students. "Seeing how students grow,learn, and develop essential professional skillskeeps us engaged," Eric Beron, Architect andPrincipal, emphasized. While some students, likeSam Rushenberg, a Waukee graduate now workingat DLR Group, have pursued careers in architectureor engineering, the program benefits allparticipants. "It’s not just about technical skills.It’s about problem-solving, teamwork, andlearning how to communicate effectively in aprofessional setting."One standout project Andrew remembered was acommunity bond campaign where APEX studentsin the Designing Communications Solutions teamdeveloped logos, videos, and promotionalmaterials that were actively used in the campaign. The inaugural Designing Communication Solutions class in Fall 2014 hosted at DLR Group had a Toys for Totschallenge along with other team building events between student associates and DLR Group employees.24ALUMNI LOOKBOOKISSUE 01PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE HILL & DLR GROUP

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25Eric recalled another memorable moment whenstudents visited DLR Group’s former office andsuggested rearranging the space to enhancecollaboration—a bold move that later influenced thedesign of their current workspace. By participating in APEX, students gain earlyexposure to a professional environment, anopportunity that many industry professionalsthemselves didn’t experience until years into theircareers. "We often talk about how beneficial it wouldhave been to have a program like this when we werestudents. It gives them a head start," Andrewexplained.These experiences illustrate the program’s value, notonly in preparing students for their careers but also inoffering businesses fresh perspectives that driveinnovation. For DLR Group, the benefits of APEXextend beyond student mentorship."Working withstudents helps our team refine communication andleadership skills," Eric said. In guiding studentsthrough projects, their staff has learned to betterarticulate complex concepts, break down ideas intodigestible components, and provide constructivefeedback, essential skills in any professional setting.In return, students gain an understanding ofworkplace expectations, professionalism, andindustry standards. Andrew noted, "Many studentscome in not knowing what to expect, but by the endof their time with us, they leave with a stronger senseof direction and confidence in their abilities."DLR Group sees work-based learning as a crucialcomponent of preparing the future workforce."Exposure to different career paths, from architecture to 3D scanning to design, helps students seeopportunities they may not have considered,"Andrew shared. "It broadens their perspective onwhat’s possible."Beyond career exposure, programs like APEX play acritical role in workforce readiness. Andrew stated,"We talk a lot about reducing hiring and retrainingcosts. If students enter the workforce alreadyequipped with essential skills and a clear careerdirection, that’s a huge advantage for both them andemployers."For businesses considering a partnership with APEXor another work-based learning program, Eric offerssimple advice: "Take a chance. The benefits faroutweigh the uncertainties." Eric acknowledges thatbusinesses may hesitate due to the unknowns ofworking with students. "We understand the initialconcerns, but APEX is flexible. Each business cantailor their level of involvement. The key is to startsomewhere."For students, Andrew encourages an activeapproach. "Take initiative, ask questions, and beopen to feedback. The more engaged you are, themore you’ll gain from the experience." Student associates in the Designing CommunicationSolutions class and DLR Group team members in thefall of 2015 celebrate Friendsgiving.Since the fall of 2022, DLR Group has hosted a secondcourse, APEX Architecture and Engineering at theirlocation in downtown Des Moines.APEX IS FLEXIBLE. EACHBUSINESS CAN TAILORTHEIR LEVEL OFINVOLVEMENT. THE KEY ISTO START SOMEWHERE.https://www.dlrgroup.com/office-location/des-moines/

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APEX.WAUKEESCHOOLS.ORGFOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WAUKEE APEXVISIT OUR WEBSITE26Thank you to our many business, academicand community partners who brought thisprogram to life. Special thanks goes out toour first alumni contributors. Would you like to be in the next issue?Complete our APEX Alumni Survey athttps://bit.ly/APEXAlumSurvey.Alumni Visit Days:Visit us at the Waukee Innovation andLearning Center at any time and save thedates for our upcoming alumni events. Spring 2025 ShowcaseThursday, May 8, 20256 PM - 8 PMWinter Alumni Come Home DayFriday, December 19, 2025 10 AM - 2 PMBe sure to join our private Waukee APEXalumni group on LinkedIn for job andinternship postings, alumni events and more.https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8228385 INFORMATION

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Avery is a resident creative who thrives inenvironments that allow her to explore herpassions for theatre, music, and design. Herdiverse experiences inspire her to blend artisticexpression with technical expertise, fueling herambition to create meaningful work.Currently a Student Associate at Waukee AspiringProfessional Experience, Avery is excited tocontinue her education at the University ofNorthern Iowa, where she plans to focus on digitalproduction and graphic design. Her ultimate goalis to build a career that combines her love forstorytelling and design, continuously drawinginspiration from her creative pursuits.Suleiman thrives in creativity and is a fanatic ofanything that involves artistic expression. Whetherit’s through painting, writing, and digital media, heaims to create and express his individualisticworks. Wondering how he can express himself through artin a career, he thought pursuing graphic designwould be perfect. Furthermore, being a StudentAssociate at Waukee Aspiring ProfessionalExperience, it only aided in solidifying his careerchoice. Moving forward, Suleiman plans tocontinue his journey at Des Moines AreaCommunity College. HTTPS://GULLIFORD25765.WIXSITE.COM/AVERY27ALUMNI LOOKBOOKABOUT THE EDITORSAVERY GULLIFORD SULEIMAN DELATICO-EDITOR CO-EDITORSD.JPEG@GMAIL.COM

Waukee APEX Alumni LookBook - Issue 01 - 2025

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