COLUMBUS — More than 1,000 seventh- through 12th-grade science, technology, engineering and mathematics students representing 282 schools from 65 counties across Ohio exhibited their science research projects at the recent 60th-annual State Science Day.
The event honored students with nearly 100 scholarships and awards valued at more than $2.9 million.
Eight Jefferson County parochial school students won four superior and three excellent awards during the event.
Rebecca McGrail, a sophomore at Catholic Central High School received a superior award for her project, “Do the seasons determine the treatment of acid mine drainage?”
All Saints Elementary School seventh-grade student Eliese N. Pergi received an excellent award for her project.
Aquinas Elementary School student Rachel V. Irvin, a seventh-grader, picked up a superior rating, while eighth-graders Elizabeth A. Miller and Mitchell L. Morelli received ratings of excellent and superior, respectively.
Justine M. Bensur, an eighth-grade student at Holy Rosary Grade School received a superior rating, while classmate Michal J. LaRue received a good rating, and Angela M. Sengenberger, an eighth-grader at Holy Rosary, received an excellent rating.
“State Science Day is Ohio’s pinnacle of Ohio student-originated, inquiry-based science education,” said Lynn Elfner, chief executive officer of the Ohio Academy of Science.
Sponsored by the Ohio Academy of Science, American Electric Power, the Ohio Environmental Education Fund and Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane Inc., and hosted by the Ohio State University Office of Continuing Education, State Science Day is the academic equivalent of a state athletic championship and the top tier of one of the largest S.T.E.M. education programs in the nation, according to officials. Judges evaluate the scientific research and communication skills of student participants who advanced to the state-level competition from more than 16 district science days.
