Article by Saeed Arida (NuVu Co-founder)
Two weeks ago, I spent two days at New Beginnings High School in Winter Haven, Florida, one of our NuVuX Partner Schools. The charter school, founded by the visionary Ashlee Wright, was celebrating the naming of its main building and the makerspace - a moment that brought the entire community together.
Four years ago, our partnership with New Beginnings began with the ambitious goal of creating innovation spaces on all three of their campuses - located in three different cities across central Florida - and giving every student the chance to work on projects. During the last few years, we tried different models to support the development of these spaces and teacher training to sustainably lead the hands–on learning NuVu is known for. For the last two years, Aaron Laniosz, NuVuX Head of Innovation, has been leading the innovation work across all three New Beginnings campuses and based out of Florida. He’s helped build something truly extraordinary - training teachers, working closely with students, and advising the leadership team, all while keeping the energy in the studio alive and electric. After years of working closely with the team at NBHS, we’ve built spaces that truly matter to students. During my visit, I spoke with a few of them, and their reflections reminded me why we do this work: to give young people a space to explore, create, and discover new possibilities for themselves.
Take 11th grader Johnathan Rivera, for example. He admitted that when he first joined the studio, he “didn’t think much of it.” But over time, his mindset shifted: “I started enjoying it more and more, making things I never thought I could. One of the first projects I built was a cardboard Godzilla, and that pushed me to create more of what I love from games and art.” That early spark led him into animation and stop-motion filmmaking - an experience that gave him a glimpse of a possible future. “It wasn’t perfect,” he said of his first animation, “but I was proud I had the chance to do it.”
Others spoke about the sense of community the studio fosters. “What I love most,” said 11th grader Aidan Hammond, “is being in a space where I can express creativity with others. We’ve been working on Halloween projects recently, learning Rhino 8, 3D printing, and using other tools. The studio builds community. It’s not just about making things - it’s about collaborating, sharing ideas, and inspiring each other.” Aidan reflected on how the studio has given him access to skills and tools he never thought he’d try: “I’ve always wanted to do woodworking and sewing, and the studio gave me the chance. When I look around the room, it feels full of life, with everyone’s creations everywhere. That’s something really special.”
For Camden Harris who’s in his 10th grade year, the studio stands out because it connects learning to the real world. “We’re always doing something hands-on, and we’re always learning something new,” he told me. “That makes us want to keep coming back. Aaron is a great teacher, and he also helps us with real-world skills like public speaking.” Camden explained how these experiences give him and his classmates a head start in future careers: “A lot of what we do connects directly to jobs - whether it’s welding, engineering, construction, or robotics. We’re getting that head start because we have access to tools like laser cutters, robot arms, and 3D printers. Without the studio, that wouldn’t be possible.”
Hearing these voices was the most inspiring part of my visit. Walking away, I felt proud not just of the spaces we’ve helped create, but of the students who are making them their own. The NuVuX Program at New Beginnings isn’t just about technology or projects - they are about students finding their voice, building confidence, and realizing that their creativity has the power to shape their future.
