In the classroom, High Meadows Mini-Courses, also known as electives, are a highlight of students’ time in the Middle Years Program. When Nathaniel enrolled in a mini-course in the Tinker Shed that allowed him to deconstruct various vehicles, including a lawn mower, something clicked. “We couldn’t get the lawn mower back together, but the failure benefitted me. Seeing the parts and pieces inspired me to pursue working with vehicles and combine it with my passion for music.” Just like Caractacus Potts, the inventor in the movie, Nathaniel thrived when surrounded with the tools and space to create, experiment, and find his purpose.

After graduating from HMS, Nathaniel enrolled at a local public high school and is part of its globalization academy. He credits his high school success to learning self-advocacy and study skills at High Meadows. He will graduate in May and plans to major in vehicle-focused mechanical engineering at the University of Georgia or Georgia Southern University.

“My major will allow me to help incorporate music into exhaust systems,” he said. “Certain vehicles have exhaust systems that play musical notes at different RPMs, so instead of playing a singular note, it can play a chord. High Meadows School and my teachers have given me the skills and inspiration I need to succeed in this creative and innovative career.”

Honing his musical skills and desire to work with vehicles was a highlight of Nathaniel’s experience at HMS, but he also fondly recalls his introduction to the school. High Meadows School is a certified International Baccalaureate PYP World School, which drew Nathaniel’s family to High Meadows. “My parents wanted me to be in a small school,” he said. “I started in a Montessori school, and HMS shares many of the same values, so that drew us to the school. The IB PYP’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning was a key factor in their decision.”

Nathaniel’s transition to High Meadows was seamless as he made friends and quickly adapted to the school’s inquiry-based learning model. In fifth grade, he started playing the tuba, and that passion remains strong today.

“Mr. West pushed me not only to play music but to perform music that I enjoy,” he mentioned. “High Meadows provided me a chance to explore music, and the rigor of our band program gave me the skills that I needed to continue playing in high school and use my talents.”

In middle school, Nathaniel continued to make his mark in the band while also participating in cross country and basketball. “The High Meadows philosophy of ‘saying yes’ and giving students ways to try new things was one of the reasons I was able to run cross country and play basketball.”

By the time he reached eighth grade graduation day, which was his seventh year at HMS, he had become part of a community, played sports, discovered his love for music, and identified a unique career path that combined his passion for music and vehicles. Four years later, those passions remain strong as he prepares to receive his high school diploma and begin college.

We can’t wait to see and hear what magical motorized music Nathaniel will create in the future. To keep up with the latest news from Nathaniel and other High Meadows School alumni, visit our alumni page. Do you have a High Meadows story to share? Reach out to Kraig Doremus to set up an interview and be featured on our social media channels and www.highmeadows.org.