On March 8, the Stephens County Area Science Fair welcomed eager students from fifth to 12th grade. These young scientists presented their projects, showcasing their deep understanding of science and their passion for discovery. They competed for awards in their respective grade levels and special categories, which were judged on technical knowledge, effort, creativity, and presentation skills.
The 2024 Stephens County Area Science Fair announced its winners as follows:
For the fifth grade, Adah Holtz from Empire took first place, followed by Myles Turner, also from Empire, in second, and Layla Brantley from Marlow in third. In the sixth grade, Piper-Ann VanBibber from Marlow won first place, with Makenna Tidwell, also from Marlow, in second, and Ridge Hixon and Noah Ottinger, both from Marlow, tying for third. The seventh and eighth grades saw Lauren Kriss from Hope Academy winning first place, Madysen Staggs from Marlow in second, and Asher Miller, also from Hope Academy, in third. For the ninth and tenth grades, Madison Dalrymple from Marlow came in first, with Jael Morton, also from Marlow, in second.
Special Innovation Awards went to Dartagnan Quick from Duncan for the fifth grade and Ridge Hixson from Marlow for the sixth grade. Communication Awards were given to Bryer Jackson from Empire and Jackson Simmons from Duncan for the fifth grade, and Noah Ottinger from Marlow for the sixth grade, with Lauren Kriss from Hope Academy winning for the seventh and eighth grades.
Special Area Awards were distributed as follows: Merik Harris from Empire won the Agriculture Award; Myka Carter, also from Empire, received the Biology Award; Adan Ralls from Hope Academy was recognized in Electrical; Adah Holtz from Empire received the Jim Weaver Chemistry Award; Katherine Gee, also from Empire, won the Environmental Science Award; Layla Brantley from Marlow was honored with the Engineering Award; Piper-Ann VanBibber from Marlow received the Health Science Award; Myles Turner from Empire won the Physics Award; Makenna Tidwell from Marlow was awarded the AAUW Outstanding Female Scientist Award; and the Nottingham Superior Scientist (“Best in Show”) Award went to Adah Holtz from Empire.
The Edith Suiter Teacher Award was presented to Cache Turner, a fifth-grade teacher at Empire. Turner was recognized for her dedication to teaching her students the scientific method, guiding them through thoughtful experiments, and helping them prepare comprehensive reports. The judges were particularly impressed by Turner’s enthusiasm and the encouragement she provided to her students.
The Stephens County Area Science Fair is made possible by the support of the Red River Technology Center and various local sponsors, including the Duncan Optimist Club, Ace Hardware, Halliburton, the AAUW American Association of University Women Duncan Branch, Duncan Regional Hospital, and other local businesses.
The Jim Weaver Chemistry Award honors the memory of Jim Weaver, a PhD Chemist at Halliburton and a longtime supporter of the Science Fair. The Nottingham Superior Scientist Award remembers Marion Nottingham, a former Chemistry teacher at Duncan High School who played a significant role in the creation of the Area Science Fair. The Edith Suiter Teacher Award honors Edith Suiter, a retired science teacher and RRTC BioMed Academy instructor, for her influence in promoting hands-on science education.
Students are encouraged to begin planning their science fair projects for the next year in the fall. Information about the Stephens County Area Science Fair can be found each December at www.rrtc.edu. Sign-ups usually open in early February, with the competition taking place in late February or early March.