Written by Brooklyn Adams
This year, ten students from Algona High School participated in the Iowa State Science and Technology Fair, SSTFI. The fair took place at Iowa State University on March 27th and 28th. These students competed against 782 students from across the state. On March 21st, students also participated in the Western Iowa Science and Engineering Fair at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. The co-sponsors of Algona Science Fair are Megan Rasmussen and Holly Waltz. The students came home bearing many awards and scholarships from both the State and Regional fairs.
At the State level, junior, Abby Lampe, was awarded 3rd overall in the high school division. She is a repeat International Science and Engineering Fair finalist and will compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona, in May. Lampe also was awarded 2nd place in the MicroBiology division, was awarded a $1000 scholarship to Loras College, and won the Society for InVitro Biology Award. Other standouts included senior, Natalee Reemtsma, who won a $2000 UNI STEM Scholarship. Junior, Cassidy Bierstedt, was awarded 2nd place in Division 5 Environmental Systems Agriscience FFA Fair, a $1000 scholarship to ISU College of Agriculture, and the Association of Women Geoscientists Award. Sophomores, Olivia Snider and Kinsey Throne, both were awarded a STEM Agriventure Award which puts $2000 each towards a trip to Greece. Snider also received the 4-H Igniting STEM Exploration Award and the AWM Math Award. Freshmen, Karsyn Bailey, Ethan Orban, and Brayden Adams, all received $500 scholarships to Loras College. Congratulations to all State participants!
At the Regional level, Riley Schechinger received 4th place in High School Physical Science as well as the Association of Women Geoscientists Award. Freshmen, Josephine Gibbs and Charlotte Smith, received 3rd place in the High School Team Division.
Junior, Cassidy Bierstedt, has participated in high school Science Fair for three years and says, “Success is earned through experience, trial, and error.” Science Fair requires dedication and is a great learning experience for all who completed a project. Congratulations to all students who participated in high school Science Fair this year!