Trio of Trafalgar students shine at West Kootenay and Boundary Regional Science Fair, off to Nationals in May
By Nelson Daily Staff
Three Trafalgar Middle School students earn all-expense paid trip Charlottetown, P.E.I. next month after walking away with the top prizes at the recent West Kootenay and Boundary Regional Science Fair in Castlegar.
Miranda Sherell, Emma Borhi and Micah May will be on a plane in May for the Maritimes after edging out 79 other competitors at the regional competition.
“To date we have only sent two students from our region to the national science fair because of funding limitations and the quality of science,” explained organizer and Trafalgar teacher Ann McDonnell.
“Last year our students were extremely successful in winning both prize money and scholarships, which raised the standards within our region.
“As a result, this year three students have earned the honor of an all-expenses paid trip to the national event in Charlottetown, P.E.I. this May — Miranda Sherell, Emma Borhi and Micah May.”
Other major prizes of up to $200 were won by September Stephani of Rossland Secondary, Kevin Milde of L.V. Rogers and Kai Stone of Blewett Elementary.
The Science Fair was once again part of a larger Community Science Celebration hosted by the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) and Science World.
The family-friendly, free and interactive event was not only fun for all ages, but also profiled the many science and technology businesses and professionals that call our region home.
“By fostering a culture that values science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, KAST seeks to maintain and enhance the competitiveness of the region,” explained Executive Director Kelvin Saldern.
“In doing so, we are helping to ensure there will be opportunities for these young scientists to choose to stay in our region as adult professionals and entrepreneurs who will then give back to our communities.”
The Science Fair and Community Science Celebration were made possible by the generous support of numerous partners, including NSERC, Fortis, Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power Corporation, Zellstoff Celgar and many local businesses.
The Canada Wide Science Fair runs May 12 -18 in Charlottetown.
Rounding out the major award winners:
Al Appleton Worksafe Award, Emma Borhi, Trafalgar, Nelson, $100
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Award, Micah May Trafalgar, Nelson, $100
BC Hydro for Generations Award, September Stephani, Rossland, Secondary $100
BCIC Student Recognition Award, Miranda Sherell, Trafalgar, Nelson, $100
BC Science Teachers Association Award, Miranda Sherell, Trafalgar, Nelson $100
BC Nature Award, Micah May, Trafalgar, Nelson, $50
Genome B.C. Award Emma Borhi, Trafalgar, Nelson, $100
Heart & Stroke Foundation of B.C. Award, Maria Phelan, St. Michaels – Trail
Michael Crooks Physics Prize, Kevin Milde, L.V. Rogers, Nelson, $75
SCWIST Award, Miranda Sherell, Trafalgar, Nelson, $100
BCIC Young Scientist Award, Micah May, Trafalgar, Nelson
National Geographic Subscription, Pacific Carbon Trust Award, Kai Stone
Blewett Elementary, Nelson, $200
