Flint Township View

Science fair at Kettering




GENESEE COUNTY —The 60th Annual Flint Regional Science Fair at Kettering University was held March 18-21, where 307 students brought their projects to share their ideas and what they learned with judges, other students and visitors to the fair.

FRSF serves students in grades 4-12 from Bay, Genesee, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St Clair and Tuscola counties and high school students from communities not served by a recognized regional science fair.

Some 78 finalists were rewarded for their efforts with scholarships, gift cards, cash prizes, trips and certificates totaling more than $28,000 in value. Five senior division students won all-expense paid trips to attend the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair in Phoenix in May. Nineteen Junior Division Finalists were nominated for the Broadcom MASTERS competition that is held in Washington, D.C., in the fall. Each finalist was interviewed by multiple judges or teams of judges to determine final ranking and winners.

A total of 139 Special Awards were presented to 73 students, including 23 non-finalists, who were selected by Special Award judges using the criteria of their award sponsor. Special Awards include certificates, prizes, scholarships, and trips. Thirty-four different organizations, professional societies, individuals and agencies sponsored special awards.

Tuition Scholarships were awarded by three local schools, payable if the student attends the sponsoring college: Kettering University awarded a $3,000/ year for four years scholarship to Christopher Barnes of Bay City, University of Michigan- Flint awarded a $4,000/ year for four years scholarship to Kacher Velam of West Branch, and Baker College awarded a full tuition grant to Clara Wagner of Saginaw.

“It is very reassuring to talk with students and judge science fair projects — these kids are bright, inquisitive, and creative and are developing real aptitude for science”, said John Wambaugh, who has been director of the Flint Regional Science Fair for 20 years. “In these challenging times it is reassuring to see what our youth, who will be the leaders of tomorrow, are doing.”

“Everyone is a winner” Wambaugh likes to say, and FRSF recognizes all students who participate. Students not selected as finalists are each interviewed by one judge to get encouragement and to help them learn how to do better science next time. All participants receive a goodie bag of prizes and a ribbon.

Nathan Mobley of Barhitte Elementary in Burton won 1st place in the Elementary Division ($400) and three Special Awards.

Of particular note, 22 Davison Middle School students placed in the Junior Division and/ or won a total of 16 special awards.

Thirteen Students from Grand Blanc, including two students from Flint who attend school in Grand Blanc, participated in the 2016 Flint Regional Science Fair. Five students either placed in the fair and/or won Special Awards. Finalists included three students from Lillian Mason Elementary and one student from Holy Family. One student who attends Genesee Academy won a special award.

Two home schooled students from Goodrich earned 2nd place in their respective divisions — Elementary and Junior and also won special awards.

Three students from St. John Vianney and four students from Genesee Academy in Swartz Creek placed at the fair and/or won special awards.

2016 FRSF sponsors who provided financial support or services or prizes valued at $1,000 or more:

Sponsors of the fair

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, James A Welch Foundation, Arthur G. Bishop Charitable Trust, Stella & Frederick Loeb Charitable Trust, Anna Paulina Foundation, Hurley Medical Center Foundation, David Charles Hill, Henry and Shilpa Mehta , Mid States Bolt and Screw, Community Foundation of Greater Flint — Countywide Youth Initiative Program Fund, Flint Area School Employees Credit Union

For services, facilities and prizes: Genesee Intermediate School District, Kettering University, Baker College, University of Michigan-Flint

Details: Visit: www.flintsciencefair.org. G.G.


Leave a Reply