For Ryan Hiro, his time at St. Michael School was about much more than preparing for the next grade. During his years at SMS, he grew academically and personally while developing a strong sense of curiosity, creativity, faith, and a desire to give back to his community.

One experience in particular helped spark a passion that would eventually become the focus of his Eagle Scout project. In 2024, Ryan and several of his classmates were invited by Ms. Bryant, St. Michael School’s nationally certified STEM director, to participate in a robotics competition. The experience introduced him to the excitement of STEM and left a lasting impression.

As a Life Scout in Troop 24 and an SMS Class of 2025 graduate, Ryan wanted to help ensure that future students would have the same opportunity to discover the possibilities of STEM. For his Eagle Scout service project, he chose to give back to the school that had helped inspire him.

Ryan Hiro set out to raise at least $3,500 to support the SMS Robotics Program. His goal was to purchase new robotics kits and create a robotics “soccer arena” where students could develop hands-on skills in STEM while building teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.

With the incredible support of families, friends, parishioners, students, and members of the community, Ryan ultimately raised nearly $6,000 for the project! But his contribution didn’t stop there. Ryan and members of his troop designed and built the Robotics Soccer Arena themselves, turning his vision into a lasting resource for SMS students.

That gift quickly became part of the life of the school. Last October, St. Michael School was fortunate to host its very first Robotics Soccer Tournament, giving students the opportunity to put their new arena and robotics skills to the test. What began as an Eagle Scout project has become an exciting new opportunity for students to learn, collaborate, compete, and discover the joy of STEM.

Ryan recently achieved another significant milestone when he successfully completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review and earned the highest rank in Scouting. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishment and deeply honored that he chose St. Michael School’s Robotics Program as his capstone project.

His Eagle Scout project is a beautiful reflection of the young man Ryan became during his years at SMS: thoughtful, curious, creative, compassionate, and always willing to take on a challenge in order to make a difference. His story is a wonderful reminder that the lessons and experiences students gain at St. Michael School can stay with them long after they leave our classrooms.

St. Michael School offers a well-rounded faith-filled curriculum to children in nursery through grade eight that supports the education of the whole child, provides a safe and secure learning environment, and prepares their students to be lifelong learners and caring, respectful, moral young men and women who are prepared to excel inside and outside the classroom.

St. Michael School curriculum includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Religion, Music, Physical Education, Art, Library, and Spanish. All students also have an integrated STEM curriculum, led by nationally certified STEM Director Ms. Bryant, that provides opportunities for students to explore, create, collaborate, and solve problems through hands-on learning. Students participate in a wide variety of extracurricular programs, including artistic, athletic, technology, and academic activities. St. Michael School also offers a flexible and affordable Extended Day program for families that need additional care from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

We are deeply grateful to Ryan Hiro and to everyone who supported him along the way. His generosity will continue to benefit our students for years to come, inspiring them to explore, create, work together, and dream about what they can accomplish.

St. Michael School wants to invite you to learn more about robotics with them! All prospective families are invited to their next Open House on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10:00 a.m. to noon. RSVP online at www.SaintMichael.com/tour or by calling the main office at 978-686-1862. Staff are also available for private tours and to answer questions about the enrollment process.

Thank you, Ryan Hiro, for giving back to the school community that helped inspire you, and congratulations on becoming an Eagle Scout!



Jessica Bonachea (jessicabonachea@gmail.com or 978-686-1862) is a graphic designer and St. Michael School Alum, Class of 1999. St. Michael School is a thriving school community in North Andover, MA, providing an exceptional Catholic education to over 500 students from diverse backgrounds in Nursery through Grade 8 since 1950.