Prairie Queen Elementary students received a special visit from Cody Gross, a Papillion La Vista South High School Class of 2024 graduate and Zoo Academy alumnus, as they concluded their science unit on ecosystems. Mr. Gross, who now studies environmental science at Iowa State University while working as a seasonal zookeeper at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Lied Jungle, brought his professional expertise and hands-on learning materials directly into elementary classrooms.

During his presentation, Mr. Gross engaged students with detailed discussions about animal adaptations, the roles different species play within their environments, the critical importance of pollinators, and various habitat types. He enhanced the learning experience by bringing exhibit pieces from the zoo, including educational furs and insects preserved in epoxy, allowing students to observe these specimens up close and make tangible connections to the ecosystem concepts they've been studying. The interactive nature of the presentation helped solidify abstract ecological principles through concrete examples from the professional zoological world.

The visit represents a full-circle moment that highlights the long-term impact of PLCS's specialized programming. Mr. Gross's journey from Zoo Academy student to college environmental science major to professional zookeeper demonstrates how district career pathway programs can launch students into meaningful careers. His willingness to return and share his expertise with elementary students also exemplifies the strong sense of community and giving back that PLCS cultivates in its graduates.

Prairie Queen Elementary's ecosystem unit provides students with foundational understanding of how living things interact with each other and their environments. By bringing in a young professional who recently walked the same halls, the district creates inspiring connections between classroom learning and real-world career applications, showing students that their current studies can lead to exciting professional opportunities in science and conservation fields.