Six students from Missisquoi Valley Union recently participated in the Vermont State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fair on March 30 at Norwich University. These students were finalists in the local MVU STEM Fair that took place on February 8. At the state fair, students presented their projects to multiple judges and visitors.
The MVU students achieved great success, earning a gold medal (placing in the top 10% of participants) and securing one of the $3,000 scholarships to the New Hampshire Academy of Science, among other prizes. The students who attended the fair were Kelsey Paradee, Avery Guyette, Surelle Casperson, Rowan Gregory, Briana Fremeau, and Emma Flanders, accompanied by MVU STEM Fair coordinator Rich Ballard.
Among the awards received, Avery Guyette won a gold medal for her project on the influence of perceived attractiveness on judicial decisions in court cases. She also received the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences Top Project prize and the American Psychological Association Achievement in Research in Physiological Science award. Emma Flanders was recognized for her project on how luminol reacts when mixed with other chemicals.
The success of these students is attributed to the challenging projects assigned by MVU science teachers. Local businesses and community organizations, such as Viatris, supported the MVU STEM Fair with generous grants. Additional support was provided by the non-profit STEM Challenge Initiative organization. The event was organized by MVU STEM Fair coordinator Rich Ballard, who helped facilitate student participation in the 2024 fair. The MVU community is proud of the accomplishments of these students and looks forward to future successes in STEM education and competitions.
