American Paradigm Schools joined the Tesla Science Foundation, City Councilman Jim Harrity and international leaders to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. The evening included the presentation of Tesla Spirit Awards to Harrity and the staff, board and leadership of the former Memphis Street Academy.
The international conference, organized by Nikola Lonchar, president and founder of the Tesla Science Foundation, brought together scientists, educators, authors, artists and civic leaders. Presentations spanning science, literature, documentary film, fine arts and cultural diplomacy were delivered in both Serbian and English, reflecting Tesla’s Serbian heritage and his contributions to American innovation and industry.
APS is dedicated to furthering S.T.E.A.M. education, bringing Nikola Tesla’s impact into classrooms through its collaboration with the Tesla Science Foundation. APS integrates Tesla-inspired curriculum that connects students to scientific discovery through art, music and hands-on learning.
The event concluded with the presentation of Tesla Spirit Awards. Sandra Farmer, Board Chair of Memphis Street Academy, and Steven Bilski, former CEO of Memphis Street Academy and recently appointed COO of American Paradigm Schools, were recognized alongside MSA’s staff and board for their resilience, service and commitment to students.
“The legacy of Memphis Street Academy and the community we built is something to celebrate,” Farmer said. “This award honors every scholar and family we served. Like Tesla’s legacy, our impact lives on.”
Harrity received the award in recognition of his support of education, students, families and communities. Harrity has championed resources for students and families, including serving the Port Richmond community through the MSA Wildcat Pantry.
“Philadelphia has always been a city at the intersection of history and innovation and this conference is a beautiful reflection of that. To be honored alongside the Memphis Street Academy team — leaders who have shown extraordinary resilience through some very difficult times — makes this recognition especially meaningful,” Harrity said.
APS CEO and Director of Education of the Tesla Science Foundation Ashley Redfearn and Scott Peterman of SP Advising presented on Tesla’s contributions to the Industrial Revolution and the importance of Tesla-inspired learning in today’s classrooms.
“Our partnership with the Tesla Science Foundation reflects our belief that world-class education connects students to the biggest ideas in human history, and few ideas are bigger than Tesla’s,” Redfearn said. “Seeing that partnership celebrated alongside Councilmember Harrity was a powerful reminder of what is possible when schools, community leaders and organizations work together toward a shared vision.”
American Paradigm Schools supports and serves Tacony Academy Charter School, First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School and Lindley Academy Charter School.
To learn more about Tesla Clubs in Schools, visit teslasciencefoundation.org
For more information on APS, visit ap-schools.org. ••
