“It gives students the opportunity to be recognized by those in the science field,” Ponton said. “Many start on their projects in the fall. They conduct real research and present it several times to different judges to get to the state fair. They become experts on their topic and get to talk about something that they are really passionate about.”
This year, Berkeley County sent 22 projects, with 13 students placing in their categories. Those students included Claire Litten, Brynlee Franklin, Amelia Mills, Samantha Mallow, Josie Dillow and Sydney Bostic, who got first place in their categories.
Bostic, from Spring Mills High School, and Nathaly Espada, from Hedgesville High School, will also be moving on to the International Science Fair in Los Angeles later this year.
“One big thing is that West Virginia can only send four students to the international fair each year,” Ponton said. “It’s a big deal, with 3,000 students from all over the world gathering to talk about their projects. We have two students from Berkeley County competing. They can potentially receive scholarships and have a real opportunity to talk to colleges. I think that culmination is a testament of our teachers in Berkeley County.”
Ponton also shared that some students hope to participate in the international fair in the future. He was proud to see them looking at other projects and making notes on how to do better next year.
Jefferson County also had a successful year, with seven students placing and four receiving first, including Everett Eastman, Anya Steuer, Danica Reed and Drew Cardis. All the students worked hard leading up to the state fair to share their projects. Many students worked with their science teachers to make sure their research was accurate.
Through the support of teachers, parents and guardians, students succeeded and grew their skills.
