Where Faith Meets Making at St. Nicholas School

Sunman, Indiana

At St. Nicholas School in Sunman, Indiana, the makerspace is doing more than introducing hands-on learning. It is helping fulfill the school’s mission to “build saints and scholars one child at a time.” Through the leadership of Fr. Shaun Whittington, the pastor of St. Nicholas Church and school, Maker Manager Beth Schwering and Principal Eric Feller, the makerspace has become a space where faith, creativity, and real-world learning come together.

A Mission-Driven Approach to Hands-On Learning

At St. Nicholas, the makerspace is intentionally designed to support both academic growth and the school’s core values.

“Our school’s mission is to build saints and scholars one child at a time,” shares Beth Schwering. “Our makerspace transforms student learning by creating a hands-on environment where curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving flourish. Students actively design, build, test, and refine their ideas through projects that connect directly to classroom learning and real-world challenges that enhance careers.”

This connection between hands-on learning and purpose-driven education allows students to see the value of what they are creating, both in the classroom and beyond.

Meaningful Projects That Inspire Growth and Service

The makerspace at St. Nicholas is filled with diverse, engaging projects that challenge students to think creatively while also serving others.

Students have participated in experiences such as creating a school garden, designing leaf-based projects, and building emergency kits for a local assisted living community. They have also explored technology and design through projects like producing an iMovie to promote their school, building confetti launchers, creating bristle bots and “exploding monsters,” and designing 3D printed Chinese lanterns.

At the same time, many projects reflect the school’s Catholic identity and commitment to service. Students have created rosary cards, Mother’s Day bouquets, nativity scenes, and Grandparents Day gifts to share with their school and parish community. These experiences allow students to see how their creativity can positively impact others.

Building Community Through Making

Beyond individual projects, the makerspace has played a key role in strengthening the St. Nicholas school community.

“Students often work together on hands-on projects, which encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving,” Beth explains. “Teachers collaborate with me by sharing ideas, integrating creative projects into different subjects, and learning new skills alongside their students.”

This collaborative approach extends beyond the classroom. Families are becoming more connected as students share their work at home, attend school events, and contribute to ongoing projects like the school garden. Community involvement continues to grow, with plans to launch a garden and STEM club as well as a middle school STEM fair in the coming year.

Principal Eric Feller has seen how these experiences bring students, staff, and families together in meaningful ways, reinforcing both academic and community values.

Growing Saints, Scholars, and Creators

The makerspace at St. Nicholas School is more than a place to build projects. It is a place where students build confidence, character, and connections. By combining hands-on learning with faith-based values, the school is preparing students to think critically, serve others, and approach challenges with creativity and purpose.