By: Emma Westerhof

Sentry Staff Reporter

Although the human body is comprised mainly of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, participants in the Northern Virginia Regional Science and Engineering Fair proved that they are really made of resolve, intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning in the most elemental form. Every year, both high school and middle school students across the region have the opportunity to participate in their school’s science fair. The top students from each school fair then get the opportunity to participate in the Northern Virginia Regional Science and Engineering Fair. This year it was held from February 28 through March 2 at Wakefield High School. Yorktown High School recognizes all of the students who will be moving on to the Virgnia State Science Fair, including Kevin Engel (Grade 9), Brendan Hemstreet (Grade 9), Sophie Moran (Grade 10), Natalie Poole (Grade 10), Alex Noring (Grade 11) and Grand Prize Winner, Margaret Doyle (Grade 11). Doyle will be moving on to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles this May.

The Science Fair itself is no small feat. It requires intense planning on both the students’ and organizers’ parts, in addition to a lot of revising, research, and testing. For those who have never participated, it may be difficult to imagine what it takes to create a project that is deemed presentable and interesting by the judges’ standards. For Patriots, this is not the first science fair rodeo. Boasting an exceptional science curriculum, committed and enthusiastic teachers, as well as state-of-the-art facilities, Yorktown equips students with a fabulous science education. The Yorktown community is proud to support each and every person who competed in any part of the science fair.

With the latest results posted publicly, it comes as no surprise that several Yorktown students who competed at regionals will be moving on to the Virginia State Science Fair on March 28-29 at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. This is the response Principal Dr. Raymond Pasi had when he heard the news.

“I was not shocked at all to learn that YHS students will be moving to states, and some to internationals. I am always impressed with each students’ hard work and determination. Their projects are beautiful, and it is so exciting to witness the growth that occurs through the process of learning,” Pasi said.

Pasi attributes Yorktown’s success to both teachers and students.

“We have teachers who make the subject interesting, exciting, comprehensible and hands-on. They are highly competent people, and they care about our students’ achievement. This is reflected in the success students enjoy,” Pasi shared.

While the finished product is clearly important, Pasi also recognizes how the methodical approach to the making of a project is just as critical.

“It is about going into depth about an area that interests the individual. By providing this outlet for scientific creativity, our school bolsters kids along the journey of education. I have seen many students walk away from an experience like this feeling absolutely in love with science. I have seen our science department and fairs inspire college majors and career paths,” Pasi explained.

So what do the competitors have to say? Among those who placed at regionals, sophomore Sophie Moran praises the Science Fair for the opportunities it provides youth. Moran conducted an experiment testing the effect of different chemical additives on bacteriophages infection ability- a topic that she is clearly passionate about. Although she received the first place award in the Biochemistry category at the regional fair, Moran assures readers that a scientist’s work is never really finished. She hopes to further expand on her experiment over the summer, in order to make it more complex and applicable to real life.

“I had a great time this past weekend. I feel like I not only got to share my ideas, but learn about what issues high schoolers feel are relevant to this generation,” Moran said.

For students still on the fence about the doing the Science Fair, Moran is convinced that it is an incredibly worthwhile experience that gives one a new appreciation for the researchers propelling the science world forward today.

“I recommend forming your experiment around something that you have a personal connection to, or about specific problems you want to fix in your daily life. The judges notice your effort to make your project relatable, and they typically rank these types higher,” Moran confides.

Sophomore Natalie Poole expressed similar sentiments.

“Future science fair participants should definitely choose a project that is challenging and intriguing to them. Doing a project that you do not enjoy is not much fun,” Poole says.

Poole took her own advice when designing her experiment and this won her first place in the Medicine and Health category at the regional fair. She tested the effectiveness of various teeth whitening toothpastes, and she was intrigued by her surprising results. Poole’s original hypothesis was redeveloped, and she is grateful that she had the chance to learn about the research process by doing the Science Fair.

“In the next round, I really hope to gain new insight and learn from my peers. Regionals was intimidating, but I learned a lot,” Poole explained.

Both Moran and Poole are adamant that participating in the Science Fair is particularly influential in young women’s lives. Poole was happy to see so many girls take home first place at the Northern Virginia Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and she is thrilled that it got everyone involved in a common goal: gaining a better understanding of science. Moran, who herself hopes to pursue a career as a medical researcher in the biological sciences, believes girls are not recognized enough for their achievements in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

“There are many females interested in STEM programs, but they are not given nearly enough credit. Society tends to gravitate towards and award male researchers, while disregarding women. There should be a more concerted effort to bring girls into the science world and encourage their growth and enthusiasm about the field. It has to begin at a young age,” Moran exclaimed.

When asked about her dreams for women of the future, Moran propounds the idea that young girls need powerful women to look up to.

“Our youth needs more female role models that we can strive to emulate. It would be a great motivation,” Moran mused.

Overall, it is moving to observe students with affinities for science explore new possibilities at regionals, and at the rounds to come. During his interview, Pasi emphasized his appreciation for every participant.

“Students deserve to feel happy with their effort at the fair. “It is not only about the top winners. It is about congratulating everyone who tried their hardest. I am glad for everyone’s success- those who go on to the finals, as well as those struggled to put something together.” Pasi said.

In his final remarks on the subject, Pasi offered one final piece of advice.

“I know kids get this a lot, but it is absolutely true. Have a good time and enjoy yourself during the competition. Recognize how much effort you have put into your work and feel proud. While we all come away winners, it is my guess that Yorktown students will also do exceptionally well in the future rounds. That is my clever prediction,” Pasi said.