Inspiring Future Engineers at the U-46 Explore Event

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) was proud to once again take part in the School District U-46 Explore event at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates on October 1–2. This annual career and curriculum expo gives students an early look at a wide range of professions—from engineering and manufacturing to healthcare, information technology, business, and more—and our team was thrilled to help bring those possibilities to life.

Hosted by School District U-46 in partnership with the Alignment Collaborative for Education, the Explore event welcomes more than 2,500 eighth-grade students from eight local middle schools. Through interactive exhibits and demonstrations, students get hands-on exposure to career pathways that match their interests and skills. The Alignment Collaborative, a local nonprofit, plays a key role in connecting community partners and supporting the district’s educational initiatives.

Before attending, students use SchooLinks—a digital college and career planning platform—to identify the pathways that align with their personal strengths. With guidance from counselors, they select specific areas to focus on during the event, ensuring each student’s experience is both intentional and engaging.

Representing the Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades pathway, HLR joined more than 60 local businesses, industries, government agencies, and nonprofits. Our booth featured a crowd favorite—the augmented reality (AR) sandbox. This interactive 3D tool lets students shape and mold the sand to create their own topographic maps, which are instantly projected in vivid color. When they simulate rainfall, they can watch how water flows through the elevations they’ve built—making concepts like mapping, topography, and watershed behavior come alive.

The HLR team had a great time sharing our passion for engineering and connecting with students, parents, and U-46 staff throughout the event. We’re grateful for opportunities like Explore that help young minds see how creativity, technology, and problem-solving come together in engineering—and we look forward to inspiring even more future engineers in the years to come.

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Congratulations to Our 2026 HLR Scholarship Recipient, Christopher Hickey

By HLR • August 7, 2026

We are proud to recognize Christopher Hickey, son of Senior Environmental Scientist Patrick Hickey, as the recipient of this year’s HLR Scholarship! Christopher is entering his second year at Kishwaukee College, where he is pursuing an associate degree and is considering accounting as his area of study. He is also exploring a future in firefighting and is currently taking a certification class for Basic Operations Firefighter. Looking ahead, Christopher hopes to build a career that will allow him to support himself and his future family while continuing his education and seeing more of the world. Throughout high school, Christopher demonstrated a commitment to both academics and extracurricular activities. He earned Honor Roll or High Honor Roll recognition every semester and received his school’s Academic “R.” He participated in track for all four years, competing at the varsity level each year, along with two years each of cross country and golf. He was also involved in Interact and International Club and spent four years participating in Rochelle Christian Fellowship/Fellowship of Christian Athletes, including two years as a club leader. In addition to his studies, Christopher has developed a strong work ethic through a variety of jobs. He currently works on a summer maintenance crew for local elementary schools and serves as an Audio/Video Tech at First Presbyterian Church, helping with livestreams, services, retreats, and other events. His previous experience includes working at Casey’s General Store and serving as a kitchen shift lead at Little Caesars, where his responsibilities included supervising crew members, closing the store, training new employees, and assisting with opening and food shipments. Outside of work and school, Christopher enjoys spending time with friends and family, working out, hiking, and playing golf. Giving back to his community is also important to him. Through his work at his church and participation in Christian retreats, he has seen firsthand the difference that serving others can make and hopes to continue making community service part of his life. Reflecting on the HLR values of “Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back,” Christopher shared: “As I go into school, I will work hard to be the best that I can be, and I will have fun with friends and family, and I will give back to those around me.” Christopher credits his parents as two of his greatest role models. Watching their dedication to their careers while still making time for family has helped shape his own approach to hard work, enjoying life, and serving others. Please join us in congratulating Christopher on being selected as this year’s HLR Scholarship recipient. We are excited to see where his continued education, hard work, and commitment to giving back take him in the years ahead!