SIDNEY — The Ohio Academy of Science recently released individual awards including monetary gifts and scholarships to exceptional science fair participants at the state level. The State Science Fair took place at The Ohio State University where over 1200 scientific research based projects were exhibited by students in grades 7-12.
Ana Vazquez, 2015 junior, completed a research project titled, “Does Exercise Increase Vital Capacity?” She received a superior rating and has been awarded the Heidelberg Science Scholarship. The scholarship is a renewable $2,000 award for four years of education at Heidelberg, thus a total award of $8,000 pending a 3.0 grade point average in her collegiate studies. Vazquez is the daughter of Salvador and Claudia Vazquez, of Troy.
Abigail Jones, 2015 freshman, presented her science fair project titled, “Mycorrhizal Inoculated Radish Plants As A Means Of Phytoremediation.” Her research gained her a superior rating and a fourth place overall in the geological award category earning her a $200 cash award. In addition, the Ohio Geological Society will grant her a one year student membership to the society. Jones is the daughter of Bradley and Kelly Jones, of Conover.
Both students began their road to the state science fair competition beginning with the local competition at Lehman Catholic High School this past February and then advancing onto district and eventually the state competition this past May.
State Science Day is sponsored by the Ohio Academy of Science and is the academic equivalent of a state athletic championship. More than 35,000 students do science fair projects each year. Students must qualify for State by receiving superior ratings at their own school fairs and at their District events. Throughout the competition, they are evaluated on their scientific research and communication skills. More than 65,000 students have participated in the annual State Science Day since it was first held in 1949.
Lehman science teachers require participation in science fair for most of their classes. Teachers of the students representing Lehman at the State Science Fair were Tracy Hall, Leah Bertke and Science Department Chair Sister Ginny Scherer.
