Top Highlights from Surry County Schools District Science Fairs: Students Impress Judges with Innovative Projects

This year’s science fairs in Surry County Schools faced a delay due to winter weather, but that didn’t stop the excitement. Last Tuesday, students showcased a total of 53 projects across elementary, middle, and high schools.

Top projects in the middle and high school categories will go on to compete at the regional science fair. It’s a fantastic chance for students to learn and interact with science on a larger stage.

At the Elementary Science Fair, budding scientists displayed 20 creative projects that demonstrated their curiosity and innovative thinking. Winners included Mac Sutphin, Ryder Moore, and Bentley Horton from Pilot Mountain Elementary, who won with their project “How Much Weight Can a Wet Paper Towel Hold?”

Rose Hodges from White Plains Elementary took second place with her environmental project, “Save the Oceans and Lakes From Oil.” Other notable entries included Libby Grayce Pierce with “What a Drag!” and Sebastian Huerta Gomez with “Kicking Under Pressure.” Sophie York from Franklin Elementary rounded out the top entries with “The Fast and The Friction.”

Alternates for the next level include “From Contaminated to Clean” by Remington Baker and “Heating Up” by George Kreeger, both from Shoals Elementary.

Dr. Travis L. Reeves, Superintendent, emphasized the importance of such events, saying they help students ask questions and develop critical thinking. “We are proud of all our students’ hard work,” he stated.

Meanwhile, middle and high school students displayed 33 different projects, diving into topics like renewable energy, physics, and nutrition. The middle school winners were Callie Hazel and Jayden Smith from Meadowview Magnet Middle for their project “Music… Yah or Neigh.” Pilot Mountain Middle’s Emilynn Haymore claimed second place with “It’s Electric.”

Other top projects included “Water to Power” by Carr Norris and Easton Sallee, and “Best Temperature for the Ball” by Levi Freeman and Kaleb Williams. Jace Edwards and Thaddeus Maurer from Central Middle took fifth place with “Water Worth.”

Alternates in this category are Daylen Snow and Gracie Snow for “LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights,” along with Paisely Montgomery and Kate Williams for “Which Cup Keeps Water Cold?”

North Surry High School dominated the high school competition, taking all five top spots. William Cowan took first with “Bounce Back,” while Ava McPeak and her team claimed second with “Ping Pong Perfection.” Carter Hull’s project, “Should We Electrify America?” won third place.

Grace Minton placed fourth with “The Science of Swimming,” and the team of Dayton Haynes, Anne Campbell Pace, and Sailor Johnson earned fifth for “The Science of Sunlight: What Cat Grass Needs to Survive.” Alternates from Surry Early College included Angie Guarneros and Gladys Estudillo’s project, “Taste Like Deception.”

Dr. Reeves praised the middle and high school contestants for their impressive skills. He believes their dedication to scientific inquiry will prepare them well for the regional competition.

Hollie Lyons, the Communication Coordinator, reiterated the district’s commitment to encouraging students’ interest in STEM through hands-on learning experiences like the science fair. She wished everyone advancing the best of luck in the next round.