Seventeen Thomas County students participated in the Georgia State Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF) in Athens, GA on March 30 and April 1, 2023. Participants included tenth graders Evan Roberts and Layla Staley; ninth graders Nayeli Badillo, Joleth Correon, Kathryn Covington, Laylen Hines, Claire Jones, Kayden McLain, Lillian Oaksford, and Caroline Westberg; eighth graders Anna Catherine Duplantis, Andrew Robertson, and Clay Johnson; seventh graders Braylee Hall and Conley Anderson; and sixth graders Aaron Irvin and Daniel Thompson. “It was a wonderful opportunity where I was able to learn how to interact with judges and competitors. I hope to return next year with more knowledge and share more of my findings,” said Anna Catherine Duplantis, who placed second in her category in the Junior Division.
Aaron Irvin won a special award for his project, the first of what is called the Grand Awards by GSEF. The award for “Grossest Project” was voted on by all of the participating students at the fair. Aaron was thrilled with winning the award and practically danced in excitement on the stage as he accepted the award for his project entitled “Trash Talk.”
Daniel Thompson placed fourth in his category in the Junior Division. “I was so excited to make it to state with my first-ever science project. The experience taught me a lot and I’m looking forward to competing again next year,” commented Thompson about the experience.
Clay Johnson won first place for the Junior Division in the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Best Use of Engineering Skills Awards. This special award was given to Johnson’s project on the strength of welds made with different flux materials. “I really enjoyed going to the state science fair in Athens this year. I enjoyed all of the activities, especially the tour of the UGA campus given by TCCHS graduate, Claire Pope. This was an overall great experience and I’m thankful for the opportunity to compete at the state level,” Johnson said.
Andrew Robertson won the Inspiring Excellence Award, an Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award, a nomination to the Thermo Fisher Junior Science Innovators Challenge, and placed as the Overall Winner in his category in the Grand GSEF Awards. “The judges asked some very good questions and made me feel very at ease. Everyone was really encouraging, making me feel like I can do more with this project and go even further,” said Robertson.
