Through the years, Carmel has developed a powerhouse of an engineering department. Introducing new Project Lead The Way courses and as well as rigorous manufacturing courses, have allowed those with keen interest in these subjects to take their knowledge to the next level.

A forerunner of this change is Zachary Bonewit, manufacturing and engineering teacher. Bonewit recently was awarded with the Outstanding Young Teacher Award in the field of  Engineering and Technology Education.

Bonewit said he believes one of the reasons he received this award is because of his growth as a teacher in the past few years.

“I feel like I have got to know my students better and have been very up to date with all the newest technology to help my students succeed,” he said.

An example of Bonewit’s use of relevant and new technology is his implementation of 3D printing concepts into his curriculum, a measure some believe revolutionized the way his students learn his materia.

However, Bonewit’s impact also reaches past engineering. He is heavily involved as the head sponsor for TechHOUNDS, CHS’ FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team.

“TechHOUNDS (is) a really cool opportunity for me to give the experience that I didn’t really have when I was a kid,” Bonewit said. “It really encompasses engineering and manufacturing at a higher level than what some classes do. TechHOUNDS has really gotten pretty massive the last couple years, it really shows how STEM can be integrated into real-life scenarios and we teach kids that well.”

Karthik Arcot, TechHOUNDS member and sophomore, said he recognizes the impact Bonewit has had on the team.

“Mr. Bonewit is always helping us, mentoring us and he always makes sure we do our best in competitions and makes sure we give our best effort,” Arcot said.

Besides teaching classes and mentoring the robotics team, Bonewit said he also works on personal STEM projects in his spare time.

“I always try to test my creativity to see if I can keep on doing what I do best, applying manufacturing and engineering to real-world scenarios,” he said.

However, despite Bonewit’s personal impact on Carmel, he said accredits his achievements to the environment Carmel provides as well.

“Being a teacher here has changed my view on how engineering and manufacturing (applies) to high school kids,” he said. “It is kind of cool to see how the position I’m in can change a career choice and help someone choose what they are going to do in the future.”