2024 Stephens County Area Science Fair Winners
It was an exciting evening last Friday, March 8th at Red River Technology Center for the 2024 Stephens County Area Science Fair. Students in grades 5-12 showcased their projects and impressed the judges with their scientific knowledge and enthusiasm. Students competed for both their grade level awards and special category awards, based on technical knowledge, effort, creativity, and presentation. The 2024 winners are:
5th Grade – 1st Place – Adah Holtz-Empire
5th Grade – 2nd Place – Myles Turner-Empire
5th Grade – 3rd Place – Layla Brantley-Marlow
6th Grade – 1st Place – Piper-Ann VanBibber-Marlow
6th Grade – 2nd Place – Makenna Tidwell-Marlow
6th Grade – 3rd Place – Ridge Hixon, Noah Ottinger-Marlow
7th/8th Grade – 1st Place – Lauren Kriss-Hope Academy
7th/8th Grade – 2nd Place – Madysen Staggs-Marlow
7th/8th Grade – 3rd Place – Asher Miller-Hope Academy
9th/10th Grade – 1st Place – Madison Dalrymple-Marlow
9th/10th Grade – 2nd Place – Jael Morton-Marlow
Innovation Award – 5th Grade – Dartagnan Quick-Duncan
Innovation Award – 6th Grade – Ridge Hixson-Marlow
Communication Award – 5th Grade – Bryer Jackson-Empire, Jackson Simmons-Duncan
Communication Award – 6th Grade – Noah Ottinger-Marlow
Communication Award – 7th/8th Grade – Lauren Kriss-Hope Academy
Agriculture Award – Merik Harris-Empire
Biology Award – Myka Carter-Empire
Electrical – Adan Ralls-Hope Academy
Jim Weaver Chemistry Award – Adah Holtz-Empire
Environmental Science Award – Katherine Gee-Empire
Engineering Award – Layla Brantley-Marlow
Health Science Award – Piper-Ann VanBibber-Marlow
Physics Award – Myles Turner-Empire
AAUW Outstanding Female Scientist Award – Makenna Tidwell-Marlow
The Nottingham Superior Scientist (“Best in Show”) Award – Adah Holtz-Empire
This year, the Edith Suiter Teacher Award went to Mrs. Cache Turner, Empire 5th Grade Teacher. Mrs. Turner dedicated significant class time to ensuring her young students knew the scientific method, conducted thoughtful experiments, and prepared full written reports with data tables and graphs. The judges were extremely impressed with the enthusiasm and encouragement Mrs. Turner showed to all her students.
The Stephens County Area Science Fair is hosted by Red River Technology Center, with longtime support from the Duncan Optimist Club, Ace Hardware, Halliburton, the AAUW American Association of University Women Duncan Branch, Duncan Regional Hospital, and other local businesses. Thanks to the volunteer judges from the community who help support our youth to encourage them to pursue STEM fields. The Jim Weaver Chemistry Award is in memory of Jim Weaver, PhD Chemist at Halliburton, longtime supporter of the Science Fair. The Nottingham Superior Scientist Award is in memory of Marion Nottingham, past Chemistry teacher at Duncan High School, also a major influence in creating the Area Science Fair decades ago. The Edith Suiter Teacher Award is in Honor of Edith Suiter, retired science teacher and RRTC BioMed Academy instructor, who has also been a strong influence in encouraging hands-on science education. We are grateful for all the science teachers, elementary educators, parents, and mentors who help encourage our youth to participate in the Stephens County Area Science Fair each year. Congratulations to all the students who participated in both their local school science fairs and the Stephens County Area Science Fair this year. Students are encouraged to start planning their science fair projects next fall. Check out www.rrtc.edu each December for information on the Stephens County Area Science Fair. Signups are typically in early February, with the actual competition in late February or early March.