At Herrin Elementary School, something truly special is happening after the final bell rings. That’s when the Tech Tigers, a group of fourth and fifth graders, gathers to explore the world of technology through hands-on activities like drone flying, 3D printing, and coding. Under the leadership of teachers Miss Esther Creamer, Miss Lorie Trexler, and their partner-incrime, Mr. Shon Hargis, the program has become a hub for bright, curious students who are ready to dive into the future with both feet.

Fifth graders Emmy Yeske and Kash Vaughn, two standout members of the group, are the perfect embodiment of what Tech Tigers is all about: excitement, innovation, and a little bit of good-natured mischief. "Tech Tigers is where we do some 3D printing and work with drones and robots," Emmy explains. She talks about Tinkercad, a program that allows students to design objects and print them on the school’s 3D printers. "I made a little flower in Tech Tigers," she says proudly. "And my brother has a 3D printer at home—we’re still figuring that one out."

Kash, not to be outdone, recalls his own experiences with drones. "I’m not good with drones at all," he admits with a grin. "When I was seven, my Papa bought me one, and I flew it into a tree. We never found it again—pretty sure the neighbor’s dog got it."

Both students are already thinking about their futures. Emmy, an aspiring artist, loves drawing people, flowers, and intricate designs. "I think I want to be Picasso," she jokes. Kash, on the other hand, is leaning toward engineering, driven by a passion for building things. "I have a whole Lego shelf in my room," he says, explaining how he fixes his younger brother’s various home-engineered disasters, including a broken doorknob. "I get the screwdriver and twist it back on."

The Tech Tigers program started two years ago with a vision: to offer Herrin students a place where technology meets creativity, led by teachers who are as enthusiastic as the kids. Miss Creamer, who has a background in technology thanks to her dad, a television engineer, was instrumental in bringing the program to life. "I was new to Herrin, and they wanted a technology program started, so I thought, 'Sure, why not?'" she says. Her excitement quickly spread to Miss Trexler, who jumped on board, and soon Tech Tigers was off and running.

Miss Trexler admits that the name Tech Tigers wasn’t just about the activities—it was about creating something catchy that would look good on a t-shirt and draw kids in. "We wanted something fun, something the kids would be excited to join," she explains. And join they did. In just two years, the program has grown from 25 students to over 45 this year.

But Tech Tigers is about more than just tinkering with drones and 3D printers. It’s about fostering leadership, curiosity, and practical skills in students who might not otherwise have the chance to engage with cutting-edge technology. "We ask teachers to nominate students based on academics, attendance, leadership, and, of course, an interest in technology," Miss Creamer says. The program runs on Mondays and Wednesdays after school, offering kids a unique chance to dive into STEM activities in a supportive, fun environment.

One of the more hilarious (and hair-raising) moments of the program’s history came during a drone mishap in Miss Creamer’s first year. "Someone flew a drone into my hair," she says, laughing. "Luckily, the propellers popped off easily, and I saved my hair." Miss Trexler, ever the supportive best friend, made sure to take photos before helping her untangle. "We laugh at our pain here in Tech Tigers," Miss Creamer jokes.

While the program is fun, it’s also laying the groundwork for the future. Mr. Hargis plays a critical role in the program’s success, particularly with the 3D printers, which have become a favorite tool for the students. "Shon has been key in helping us build this program," Miss Trexler emphasizes. "He runs the 3D printing side of things, and the kids just love it."

For the community, Tech Tigers represents an investment in the future—a chance to give kids access to technology they might not otherwise encounter until much later. Whether they’re learning to code with Ozobots, designing on Tinkercad, or flying drones, the students are gaining skills that will serve them well beyond elementary school.

"These kids are the future," Miss Trexler says. "And we’re giving them the tools to not just participate in that future but to shape it."

As for the kids, they’re just excited to be part of something so fun and forward-thinking. "It’s cool," Emmy says, summing it up simply. "We get to do things most kids don’t get to do."

For the taxpayers and community members of Herrin Unit 4, Tech Tigers is more than just an after-school program. It’s a point of pride, a way to nurture young minds and prepare them for the technological challenges of tomorrow. And with teachers like Miss Creamer, Miss Trexler, and Mr. Hargis at the helm, the future looks very bright indeed.