OVS middle school students dominated at the Ventura County Science Fair last week, walking away with top awards for their projects in the fields of physics, zoology, botany, engineering and product science.

Of the 17 students entered from OVS in grades seven and eight, eight were recognized for their outstanding projects and six were invited to present at the two-day California State Science Fair next month at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

To compete at the state level, middle and high school students must place first, second or third in their category at an affiliated county or regional science fair. The projects span 20 categories, from aerodynamics to zoology, and are judged at the state level by more than 300 volunteer scientists and engineers.

Three students – Cici Pan, Bridget Levy and Ever Avary – walked away with first-place awards in their categories at the county science fair. Erin Rush, Lisa Redko and Patrick Prestridge all placed second in their fields.

Science Department Chair Matt Inman said it was overwhelming to see so many OVS students recognized for their achievements.

"Our students worked hard throughout the semester, developing areas of interest, and refining them to viable research questions," Mr. Inman said. "Collegiate quality, annotated research papers were written, and hypothesis formed. Materials were gathered, experimental designs constructed, and procedures were performed. Results were charted and analyzed, and conclusions were drawn and discussed. Finally, a display board was built and presented at our own middle school science fair. It was an amazing process, and all of the kids did a fabulous job!"

Regrettably, the state science fair falls during the week of spring backpacking trips and it is unlikely that students will be able to participate in both activities. OVS would like to respect the priorities of those fortunate students and families, and will support their decision to participate in either event.

Mr. Inman will be meeting with students this week to hear their decisions, and to help them prepare their applications before the March 29 due date.

“Whether you were recognized at the county science fair or not,” Mr. Inman said of the participants, “you all did an incredible job and I want to thank you again for your effort, attention to detail, and enthusiasm!

Congratulations to the following stellar scientists:

Special Interest Award-Bridget Levy
Special Interest Award-Michael Martinson
Engineering Honorable Mention-Jay Inman
Product Science 2nd Place-Erin Rush
Zoology 2nd Place-Lisa Redko
Physics 2nd Place-Patrick Prestridge
Botany 1st Place-Cici Pan
Product Science 1st Place-Bridget Levy
Physics 1st Place-Ever Avary