Last week, twenty seven Science Seminar Students represented Indiana Area Senior High School at the 85th Annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair. This fair is one of the most competitive and prestigious fairs in the area, where more than 1,000 students from 21 counties compete for top prizes and scholarships.
The Indiana Area School District would like to acknowledge Alexa Wheeler for taking a Third Place Overall award in the Senior Behavioral Science category for her work investigating the effects of group work on frustration levels of students.
A number of other Indiana Area students were awarded special prizes for their research projects. Range Resources recognized Edmond Lin; Webb Law Firm recognized Jack Lehman; Cook MyoSite recognized Julia Webber; Slippery Rock University recognized Vani Ali; and Ava Apjok was recognized by both the National Geographic Society and the Allegheny County Health Department.
The prizes with the most potential to impact students are the scholarships. This year, Slippery Rock University awarded scholarships to Vania Ali, Matt Blystone, Hanna Cowburn, and Avery Edmonds. Saint Francis University awarded scholarships to Ava Apjok, Avery Edmonds, and Lillian Stevens. Thiel College awarded a scholarship to Avery Edmonds. These scholarships bring the total to well over $500,000 since Indiana Area School District first began attending the PRSEF in 2017.
Then, earlier this week, the Science Seminar students attended IUP Scholar’s Forum to present their research alongside IUP students. Emma Runge took first place overall in the high school division, while Kevin Liu took second place and Alexa Wheeler came in third. Additionally, Hanna Cowburn and Jack Lehman received honorable mentions.
At the heart of all these competitions is promoting and conducting scientific research, which will stay with these students long after the awards have been handed out. The IHS Science Seminar is sponsored by faculty advisors, Jamie Edmonds, Emily Hixson, Scott Layden, and Mike Lehman..
“We are so proud of everyone who went above and beyond normal coursework to conduct a research experiment on their own time,” said Ms. Hixson. “This is just one way students here at IHS explore the STEM fields and hopefully take these experiences into future careers and college.”
It is important to note that it is not just the older students who get to immerse themselves in such exploration. The Ben Franklin/Eisenhower PTA also recently conducted their annual PTA Academic Fair. Principal Kelly Urbani said: “Our young scientists amazed us with their innovative projects and experiments, showcasing their passion for STEM education. From erupting volcanoes to DNA, the creativity and dedication of our students shone brightly tonight.”