About Kayle Watson
It would be an understatement to say that Kayle Watson enjoys all thing STEM related. From AP classes in Physics, Biology, Math and Science to participating in STEM programs that focus on engineering and math, to watching endless videos on STEM topics, Kayle has found his passion. Kayle founded a STEM club at his high school, exploring topics like robotics, cybersecurity, and environmental engineering and inviting students from the middle school in an effort to cultivate interest in students at a younger age. Kayle seeks input from any source that he feels can inspire, provoke or explain the many aspects of STEM related topics.
While Kayle’s academic focus is STEM, rowing is Kayle’s sport of choice. It requires a lot of collaboration, mental fortitude, and physical fitness to train and compete successfully. Rowing has taught Kayle the necessity of functioning as a unified group, giving everyone equal respect, and pushing him beyond perceived physical and mental limitations. Kayle is a member of the Maritime Rowing Club in Norwalk, Connecticut, where he is trained by experts in their field. It’s not lost on Kayle that the nuances and mechanics of successful rowing incorporate the foundations of engineering and math principles. Kayle is a member of the club’s high school program, a nationally renowned program that has produced world-class rowers. Former members have received many world championship awards and even reached the US Olympic Team. Kayle trains year round and competes in national regattas in the Fall and Spring.
Kayle Watson also volunteers for various causes in his time away from school and athletics. Spike’s K9 Fund is his charity of choice. A retired special warfare operator and K9 handler founded this nonprofit organization after experiencing first-hand the bravery of working dogs. The group accepts resources and contributions to help train and maintain working dogs, pay for medical treatment, and supply the dogs with protective gear. Kayle raises funds, attends events, and supports Spike’s mission, seeing firsthand the difference a contribution can make for working canines. Another charity that Kayle and his family work with is YES! Solutions in New York City. Founded by a small group of neighbors, the organization provides clothing, furniture, and food to the underprivileged and matches families with fitting volunteers. The StreetCorner Gourmets spend holidays preparing and distributing home-cooked meals on the street. Kayle fondly remembers baking cookies and handing them out on numerous occasions. He’s met many wonderful people through this experience.
Art is another pastime that holds a lot of interest for Kayle. Street art, in particular, is his favorite style because he enjoys the absolute sense of creativity, freedom, and expression it brings. It also helps people raise awareness about critical social issues as an art form. Countries worldwide have been using street art for centuries, and Kayle loves experiencing different cultures whenever possible. Kayle attends street fairs and seeks out local art when he travels to a new city.
Following high school, Kayle plans to focus on STEM and major in engineering, as well as continue competitive rowing and his charitable efforts. He is looking forward to pursuing these interests at the college level and becoming immersed in a college community. Kayle believes that he should strive to be an asset to his college campus. He is hopeful that his rigorous high school career and extra-curricular activities will serve him well, whether at a military-based institution or competitive college on the east coast.
