3DE™ Student Spotlight: Landon Staab

Author: Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Published: Tuesday, 02 Dec 2025

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Image caption: Landon Staab, a shining example of the curiosity and leadership found in today’s 3DE™ students.

When Prairie High School sophomore Landon Staab walked into his first 3DE™ class during the second semester of 9th grade, he didn’t yet know how much the experience would shape his confidence, communication, and outlook on the future. Today, he’s known as a reliable leader, a thoughtful teammate, and a student who continues to raise the bar for himself and those around him.

“Landon joined us during his second semester of 9th grade. Since then, he has been a powerhouse! He is dependable and leads by example. I’ve been fortunate to watch him grow through presenting at Culminating Events, attending leadership trainings, and speaking on a student panel at the 3DE™ Breakfast! He is more confident than ever. He’s a true testament to the impact 3DE™ can have on a student.”
— Taylor Cline, 3DE™ School Coordinator

For Landon, one of the most exciting parts of being in 3DE™ this year is the opportunity to dive into new content, work with different case partners, and develop skills using behavioral indicators and analytical tools he hadn’t been exposed to before. “Having the chance to really dig deep into some of this new content compared to last year has been extremely interesting and fun,” he shared.

Among the many skills he’s gaining, communication stands out as the one he feels has grown the most. Working with a wide range of classmates—each with their own communication styles—has helped him learn how to adapt, listen, and make others feel seen and heard. “It feels as if each class my communication is getting better,” he said. “3DE™ has helped me better understand how to communicate with a variety of people.”

3DE™ is also shaping how Landon thinks about his future. Instead of focusing on a single, linear path, he now sees a world full of possibilities. “3DE™ has helped me realize how much opportunity there really is out in the real world,” he explained. “They don’t just guide you to a strict one job path, but lead you down a road with so many destinations.”

Working on real business challenges with his classmates has only added to that sense of excitement. He enjoys seeing how different ideas, perspectives, and strengths come together to create solutions that feel meaningful and relevant beyond the classroom.

If he could encourage another student to join 3DE™, Landon says he would tell them there’s simply no other class like it. “There isn’t a single class that will prepare you more for your future than 3DE™ will. You learn a plethora of real-world skills that aren’t taught in any other class, and you’re able to apply your work to the real world.”

As he looks ahead to the rest of the school year, Landon is focused on continuing to grow—in 3DE™ and beyond. With his drive, curiosity, and strong sense of leadership, he’s well on his way to making an even greater impact.

And as Taylor said best, Landon is proof of the powerful difference 3DE™ can make.