NPMS science fair showcases 26 projects

Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

The New Prague Middle School science fair showcased 26 projects from 35 sixth- through eighth-grade students. This year's competition was held Thursday, Jan. 3, in the middle school commons area.

Projects included those focusing on the weather, a comparison of bridges and weight limits, a scientific look at the effects of combining pop and Mentos and many other ideas. Students could do their own projects or work in teams of two or three.

Students were judged three times, with their scores averaged out to determine ribbon placing. Fifteen projects received purple ribbons. Eight blue ribbons and three red ribbons were also awarded. The students who received purple ribbons are eligible to compete in the regional competition at Minnesota State University Mankato.

For seventh and eighth graders, competition is Saturday, Feb. 16, in Mankato. Sixth graders will compete Saturday, May 3.

Those winning purple ribbons in the individual competition were Allison Aase, Adam Karlen, Katie Morris, Carly Ploumen, Nick Scaramuzza, Jacki Schoenecker, Shelby Schneider, Alex Shephard, Jenny Trettel, Monica Turner and Rena Weis. Winning teams of two included Nicole Tupy and Anna Solheid, Alyssa Fahrenkamp and Steph Hanson and Emily Rezac and Anna Rynda. The one winning three-person team included Anna Hanson, Jessica Boerner and Melissa Haecherl.

Individuals receiving blue ribbons were Blake Bornholdt, Vanessa Kubes, Andrew Maruska, Megan Schoenbauer and Kyle Zweber. Teams of two winners were Ruby Buro and Katie Pumper, Lexi Ruehling and Sophie Busch and Shannen Dietz and Ashley Tupy.

Red ribbons went to the team of Alexis Andrews and Jessie Anderson and the individual projects of Kari Hartman and Brady Pavek.

New Prague Community Education staff helped secure judges for the event through local organizations, businesses and the New Prague High School Honor Society. Jodi Prchal, staff member at the middle school, organized the science fair that was sponsored by the New Prague Community Education program.