“Do you want to hear about hearing?”

That’s how Nev Kovel, daughter of Nichole Kovel—a member of the Gleneagle Sertoma Club and owner of Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs—grabs their attention. Once the audience is listening, Nev delivers her well-prepared message on the importance of protecting kids’ hearing from dangerously loud sounds.

Nev’s presentation on healthy hearing captivated both the children she spoke to and the parents who accompanied them at the Cool Science Festival Carnival Day earlier this fall. From classrooms and sporting events to music through headphones, children encounter loud sounds daily. Thanks to Nev’s demonstration with LUCY, a manikin equipped with a built-in decibel meter, kids could see firsthand how ear protection works. To keep the education going beyond the science fair, every participant left with ear protectors from the club.

The Gleneagle Sertoma Club has been a financial supporter and exhibitor at Cool Science for the past three years. This year, the club’s booth focused on youth, STEM and hearing health, attracting hundreds of kids and parents. It was one of nearly 100 interactive displays and presentations available to guests on the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs.

Events like this are a wonderful way to engage youth and involve them in meaningful mission work from an early age. Hats off to Nev and the Gleneagle Sertoma Club for spearheading such a thoughtful and impactful initiative!

Special thanks to Duane Gritzmaker, Gleneagle Sertoma Club, for providing this submission and photographs.