Photos: Students Get Hands-On Lessons at Ferndale Schools All-City Extravaganza on Saturday

"You're doing a great job!" Ferndale High School senior Ashley Greer encouraged 4-year-old Amelia Burgess as she helped the preschooler with an art project.

Amelia beamed with pride as she continued coloring.

Greer was one of many Ferndale students who acted as mentors during the annual on Saturday, which aimed to showcase the type of learning opportunities available at Ferndale schools.

The commons area of was packed as younger students got hands-on curriculum lessons in art, math and more from older students and got a taste of what's to come in future grades.

"I love it, it's fun," said 17-year-old Greer. "When I'm older I definitely want to work with children and I love doing art, too."

Amelia's mom, Renee Heard, said she likes the idea of the current high-schoolers essentially "mentoring our next group of high school kids."

"I think there's a lot of amazing things that happen every day in our schools," said Heard, who works as a school improvement specialist with the district. "It gives everyone a chance to show why they're proud of going to Ferndale Public Schools."

The districtwide event featured information on curriculum, fine arts and student work, and was held in conjunction with free all-city concerts by the choir, band and orchestra.

Students enjoy hands-on activities

Shelby Alexander, 3, enjoyed playing with remote-controlled Lego cars at the event's robotics display.

"She really gets a kick out of it," said her grandfather Don Alexander. "I really think [the event] is important because it's for the kids, and it gives us a chance to see what all the other kids are doing."

Cherie Drukas, a mentor for the robotics program, said even early robotics can help teach kids about levers and gears.

"We thought some of the little ones might like to run these," she said of the Lego machines.

FHS seniors Sean Dickow, 17, and Sadiah Cannon, 18, showed younger students items from their anthropology coursework including real bones.

"It's cool," Cannon said of the Extravaganza. "It seems like they have a lot more stuff going on allowing the classes to show what they're doing."

Turnout was "wonderful," FHS assistant principal says

FHS Assistant Principal Roger Smith let students at the fingerprinting display take his fingerprints.

"I love this event," Smith said. "It really showcases not only the entire district but this building in particular."

Smith said the turnout was "wonderful."

"I was a little afraid because of the snow this morning but it just added to the festive atmosphere," he said. "It's a great community event."

FHS teacher Cliff Scott helped students try their hand at pottery, including third-grader Sydney Stamper, 8.

"I think it's very cool," said her mom Shawnie Stamper, of Ferndale, adding that her daughter sang with the third grade glee club at the event and was now trying pottery for the first time. "She tried two new things today."