A group of middle schoolers from St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral recently participated and excelled during the 64th Annual Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science and Engineering Fair and the Thomas A. Edison Festival of Lights Inventors Fair.
These are the largest science competitions in Southwest Florida where hundreds of students from Lee and Charlotte counties present their inventions and/or science research projects bringing together 1,000 competitors.
Held in February 2021, the St. Andrew students “demonstrated Christ’s gift of fortitude as they successfully overcame the many challenges posed by the pandemic to excel during the virtual competitions,” proclaimed Principal David Nelson.
“Congratulations to ALL of our 2021 Science & Inventor Fair’s Regional Finalists,” Nelson said. “Not only are you resilient, but you embody the passion and spirit of Thomas Edison, the namesake for the regional science and invention fair. Congratulations on your STREAM (Science Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) accomplishments!”
An impressive 13 St. Andrew were recognized for their exceptional science and invention projects at the virtual awards ceremonies on March 11, 2021. Several will be moving on to compete in national competitions. Winners and awards include:
Sarah Engel, 6th grade, was awarded 1st place for Environmental Engineering (Junior Division), for her project “Oil and Water Don’t Mix.” Sarah received multiple honors and is also a 2021 Grand Award Winner and will virtually present her project at the 66th Annual State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida this spring.
Christopher Carranza was awarded 2nd place for 8th grade Inventions for his invention “Fix-A-Flat with the Easy Screw.” Christopher was invited to present his invention at the National Invention Competition and received special recognition and special awards.
Sofia Mayus, 7th grade, was awarded 1st place for Animal Sciences (Junior Division) for her project “What Color are Insects Most Attracted To?” Sofia received special recognition with multiple awards.
Zachary Engel, 8th grade, was awarded 2nd place for Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division), for his project “Monarchs vs the Length of Day.” Zachary received special recognition and awards.
Sephora Esperance, 6th grade, was awarded 2nd place for Environmental Engineering (Junior Division), for her project “What is the Most Efficient Way to Position the Solar Panel?” Sephora received special recognition with a cash award from AIM Engineering & Surveying, Inc.
Christopher Pino, 7th grade, was awarded 2nd place for Animal Sciences (Junior Division) for his project “The Affect of Different Photosynthetically Active Radiation Values on Coral Growth.” Christopher received special recognition with multiple awards including the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Sophia Smith, 8th grade, was awarded 2nd place for Chemistry (Junior Division) for her project “How Does Wax Type Affect Burn Rate and Soot Concentration of Candles?” Sophia received special recognition.
Laura Cerna was awarded 3rd place for 6th grade Inventions for her invention “Solar Powered Dollhouse.” Laura was invited to present her invention at the National Invention Competition and received a cash award from Florida Power & Light’s Energy Wise Scholarship, as well as special recognition in the category of Practical & Precious Innovations for the Greater Good.
Ellianna Trunkett, 8th Grade, received special recognition for her project “Altitude Impact,” and multiple awards including from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA Earth System Science Award).
Others receiving awards were: Kyle Benson, 3rd place for 8th grade Inventions for his invention to help fishermen; Ana Cerna 8th grade, was awarded 3rd place for Physics & Astronomy (Junior Division); Sabrina Kosmala, 7th grade, Honorable Mention for Physics & Astronomy (Junior Division); Noah Rodriguez, 6th grade, 3rd place for Behavioral & Social Sciences (Junior Division).
