Creative expression, technical acumen unite at YSU showcase

Correspondent photo / Sean Barron Jaxson Schwentker shows his mother, Valerie, his computer coding project during Thursday’s Showcase Day gathering in Youngstown State University’s McKay Auditorium. Jaxson and the other 14 sixth grade students whose projects were highlighted are on the autism spectrum.

Creative expression, technical acumen unite at YSU showcase. YOUNGSTOWN — Initially, it may appear that Gunnar Reed was insulting a family member with a statement he made — until you coat it in a thin layer of context. “The monster is my mom,” said Gunnar, a Potential Development school sixth grade student who is on the autism spectrum. Gunnar was referring to a character that was a central feature in a computer-style coding project he named “Chore Monster Escape.” His creation has two chapters, the first of which leads the viewer with a coordinated system of arrows and loops. The second one challenges the observer to find certain mistakes he intentionally designed, Gunnar explained. Make no mistake, however, in realizing that his project also was among those that were highlighted during a two-hour Showcase Day event Thursday morning in Y...