Students & Educators Rock at Awesome 2013 Science Fair Awards
Finalists head to the INTEL International Fair in May
New site, new sounds, and new energy greeted 43 of Sarasota County’s most promising young scientists, engineers, and inventors at the annual awards for the Regional Science, Engineering and Technology Fair Awards on April 30.
For the first time, festivities moved from The Landings to much larger facilities at Riverview High School. Students and families, educators, volunteers and donors enjoyed pre-show refreshments and snapped photos with the winning project displays Pine View’s indie/alt rock band “The Common Flaw” welcomed the large and lively crowd as they entered the auditorium. John Scalzi, ABC 7 television meteorologist, took the stage as master of ceremonies. His life-long love affair with science was sparked by his first chemistry set, Scalzi noted, and he urged every student to continue following his or her passion.
The Dart Foundation Award for Medicine & Health and a check for $1,000 was presented to Brittany Wenger. Wenger was the grand prize winner in Google's 2012 Science Fair and joined 100 students from more than 40 states at the 2013 White House Science Fair earlier this month. The Dart Foundation Inspiration Award of $1,000 went to Cardinal Mooney sophomore Courtney Astore.
Two Faulhaber Foundation Prizes for the Scientific Exploration of Nature of $1,000 were awarded to two Sarasota High School students, Jacquelyn Mogensen and Rebecca Elsishans. For the fifth year in a row, two Omar Y. Cooper Student Achievement Awards were presented. Both include a $2,000 prize and a twelve-month mentorship. Sarasota High’s Norman Gerad Ross took home a Cooper Award for his work in environmental science. Suncoast Polytech’s Jessica Schwab received her award in microbiology.
Out-of-Door Academy’s Brittany Wenger and Cardinal Mooney’s Courtney Astore represent the county at the five-day Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in May. This marks a third trip for Wenger, who attended the Intel ISEF in Pittsburgh last year and won first place in her category. All expenses for travel, entry fees, and chaperone to participate in the Intel ISEF are paid for by private donors through Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
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John Scalzi, master of ceremonies |
http://sarasotacountyschools.net/educationfoundation/newsroom.aspx?id=41030&blogid=1518
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130507/ARCHIVES/305071014/-1/search10?p=1&tc=pg
- Herald-Tribune photo gallery
http://galleries.heraldtribune.com/default.aspx?id=362033#/0
- Interactive list of honorees
http://www.heraldtribune.com/science2013
1. Susan Scott, Ariane Dart, and Courtney Astore from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, recipient of the Dart Foundation Inspiration Award
2. Gerad Ross, Sarasota High School, Omar Cooper with daughter Gabby, and Jessica Schwab, Suncoast Polytechnical High School
3. Ping and Fritz Faulhaber with Rebecca Elsishans, Sarasota High School
4. Kassie Greenan from Brentwood Elementary School, 4th grade winner in Physical Science, and Susan Scott
5. Science Fair projects set up in the Riverview High School Auditorium
6. Education Foundation Board Member Kimberly Walker and daughter Grace
7. Pine View senior Charisa Powell's band, The Common Flaw, performed at the awards
8. Pine View student Rocket Burns, 5th grade winner in Physical Science