Local and State Leaders Tour Brighton High School's State-of-the-Art STEAM Center

BRIGHTON, MI – Brighton High School welcomed a distinguished group of local and state leaders on October 21, 2025, for a comprehensive tour of the school's cutting-edge Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities, showcasing the innovative programs preparing students for success beyond graduation.
The tour, organized by John Conely, brought together Congressman Tom Barrett, Livingston County Prosecutor Carolyn Henry, Brighton Area Schools Board Trustee Katie Tierney, Hartland Area Schools Board Trustees Greg Keller and Jeff Scott, Gary Pratt (CEO of Pratt and Miller Racing), Jim Clark (CEO of Robertson Brothers Homes), Tom Detloff (Engineer at McLaren Engineering), and Sean McClain (Engineer at McLaren Engineering). Dr. Jim Darga, Director of STEM Education, and Matt Evans, Brighton High School's Lead Principal, guided attendees through the impressive facilities.
Visitors explored multiple state-of-the-art learning environments, including the school's business classroom, computer graphics classroom, and engineering and CAD classroom, where students gain hands-on experience with 3D printing, CNC technology, and robotics. The tour also highlighted the Auto Lab, operating at full capacity with 150 students, and the Health Occupations Lab, which serves 140 students at maximum enrollment.
A standout feature of the visit was the Health Occupations Lab, led by Teacher Brielle Haupt, a Brighton High School graduate who was recognized as Michigan's #1 CTE teacher in 2024. The lab, modeled after the University of Michigan's nursing school, represents the district's commitment to excellence in healthcare education. Haupt has also pioneered a pre-med program for high school students, expanding pathways for those interested in medical careers.
"It was incredible to witness the opportunities for students right here within the heart of the district that I represent," said Congressman Barrett. "It really shows what we can do when we think collaboratively for our students, preparing them for opportunities after high school."
Brighton Area Schools continues to demonstrate its dedication to providing students with real-world skills and career-ready education through these innovative programs.

About Brighton Area Schools
Brighton Area Schools serves students in Livingston County, Michigan, offering comprehensive educational programs from elementary through high school. The district is committed to preparing students for college, career, and life success through innovative learning opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.