Our First Step Forward: The Story of Bay Koa's Inaugural Event

We Did It!

After months of planning, ups and downs, and a crew fueled by nothing more than hope and passion, we are thrilled to share that Bay Koa successfully hosted its first event on April 22nd, 2026, at the Yolo County Library in Clarksburg, and we are beyond grateful to them for welcoming us on such a special day.

If you are curious about how it all came together, you are in the right place. Let's dive into what the behind-the-scenes and the big day itself were really like. Months before we had a location, we already knew exactly what we wanted: a science demo that was not only exciting to watch, but one that made students feel like real scientists. That vision led us to our first demo: lava lamps. A simple yet powerful activity that introduced kids to the science concepts of density and polarity, a l while giving them hands-on experience they could take home and repeat.

With the demo and vision in place, the next stage was bringing it all together, finding a date, securing a location, preparing take-home instruction sheets, and crafting a presentation that was both engaging and educational. Every small detail was carefully planned as the big day approached.

And then, just like that, it arrived. The day started with an early morning, a lot of driving, and a mix of anxiousness and joy. We all met at the Davis Amtrak station and headed toward what would become one of our most treasured memories.

As we settled into the library, we could already feel the excitement in the air, and honestly, even the adults could barely contain themselves. Before we knew it, Lily was capturing the moment through her lens while Schyler and I took the floor, presenting to children, parents, and teachers in both English and Spanish. The kids were engaged, the science was working, and in that moment, all the struggles and worries faded away. The room became nothing more than a space of comfort, laughter, love, and a new generation of future STEM leaders.

I am incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve. Despite the challenges, we showed up, gave our all, and delivered a professional and engaging event that exceeded expectations and gave us the momentum to keep going.

To Cristina Ruiz, Clarksburg Branch Supervisor, a heartfelt thank you for giving us the space and the opportunity. And to Lily Swedlow, Vice President, and Schyler Rueda, Director of Projects & Planning, I could not be more proud of your effort, dedication, and heart.

Until next time!