Troy “the X-Ray Boy” was a featured panelist at The Head Start WEST 2025 Family Engagement Conference. His own journey in his own words:

“Head Start has helped my family so much throughout the years. My daughter, Leanne, attended the program at the Maui college location. This was the same place I completed my radiology prerequisites in 2007. As a young father trying to earn my degree, it was a struggle to pay the bills. Thankfully, Head Start helped make my dream a reality and I’ve been working as a radiologic technologist at the Maui Medical Group for 16 years now! 

In my free time, I like to give back by visiting Head Start locations to teach kids about x-ray, ultrasound, CT & MRI. I was recognized as MEO’s 2017-2018 Volunteer of the Year, which inspired me to present at an even bigger scale. I’ve gone on to do my radiology presentation at schools throughout the world, helping kids to learn about diagnostic imaging. Leanne is doing her part as well! She’s studying nursing at UH Manoa and is currently completing her clinical hours at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children. ” 

Ms. Patti Tosh is truly deserving of recognition as a STEM Hero for her unwavering commitment to teaching and learning through meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences. One of the most passionate ways Ms. Tosh brings learning to life is through her intentional integration of STEM into everyday instruction. She has gone above and beyond by creating a dedicated STEM room for our school, thoughtfully designed for all classrooms to access. Each month, Ms. Tosh prepares engaging STEM lessons that teachers can bring to the space, ensuring all students have equitable opportunities to explore, investigate, and problem-solve.

In her own classroom, learning comes alive as students observe things grow, explore cause-and-effect relationships, and engage in authentic inquiry. Ms. Tosh fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and wonder by allowing students to ask questions, test ideas, and learn through discovery. Her leadership, creativity, and dedication to STEM not only enrich student learning but also inspire fellow educators. Ms. Patti Tosh exemplifies what it means to be a STEM Hero, making STEM accessible, exciting, and impactful for all learners.

She created a STEAM-mobile that visits classrooms to provide an outside classroom experience for children. The van goes to fairs, community events, and shelters and allows the kids to experience steam learning and play. She also has created steam bundles that are in crates to go to sites that can’t have the mobile visit due to parking restrictions. The kids love the themes such as Wild Wild West, Let’s Become Wizards, Let’s Go to Space, and Summer Fun. The trailer is also part of socializations for home visitors and the CCP program. They provide unique items and have a variety of activities to inspire the kids to learn about science and engineering. It’s fun for the kids and teachers when the van comes to visit.