2026 Stephens County Area Science Fair Winners
It was an exciting evening last Friday, March 6, 2026, at Red River Technology Center for the 2026 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 2026 winners are:
5/6 Grade – 1st Place – Blaine Johnson-Duncan
5/6 Grade – 2nd Place – Xander Kamal-Duncan
7/8 Grade – 1st Place – Jackson Simmons-Duncan
7/8 Grade – 2nd Place – Cason Shores- Hope Academy
7/8 Grade – 3rd Place – McKinley Chambers- Hope Academy
9/12 Grade – 1st Place – Paige Emery-Duncan
9/12 Grade – 2nd Place – Hannah Hale- Hope Academy
9/12 Grade – 3rd Place – Brenton Chisum- Hope Academy
Innovation Award – 7/8 Grade – Jackson Simmons-Duncan
Innovation Award – 9/12 Grade – Adan Ralls- Hope Academy
Communication Award – 5/6 Grade – Cooper Blackburn- Hope Academy
Communication Award – 7/8 Grade – Abigail Hale- Hope Academy
Communication Award – 9/12 Grade – Hannah Hale- Hope Academy
Agriculture Award – McKinley Chambers- Hope Academy
Biology Award – Paige Emery-Duncan
Electrical – Adan Ralls- Hope Academy
Jim Weaver Chemistry Award – Hudson Dressler-Hope Academy
Environmental Science Award – Brenton Chisum- Hope Academy
Engineering Award – Asher Miller- Hope Academy
Health Science Award – Xander Kamal-Duncan
Outstanding Female Scientist Award – Blaine Johnson-Duncan
The Nottingham Superior Scientist (“Best in Show”) Award – Paige Emery-Duncan
This year, the Edith Suiter Teacher Award went to Ms. Ashtyn Brady, Bray-Doyle Public Schools. Congratulations Ms. Brady for all of your dedication and hard work.
The Stephens County Area Science Fair is hosted by Red River Technology Center, with longtime support from the Duncan Optimist Club, Halliburton, and other local businesses. Thanks to the volunteer judges from the community who help support our youth and 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 Biomedical Science 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 January 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.