Students honored at regional fair for innovative STEM projects

The Hillsborough County Public Schools held its annual School Board Recognition Meeting on April 15, 2025, to honor the winners of the Best of Fair awards from the regional science fair. This event showcased the innovative projects of students across various grade levels, highlighting their achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The meeting began with the recognition of elementary school winners. Marlo Doherty from Roland Park K-8 was awarded the Best of Fair for third grade with her project titled "Sun Smarts for JDM," which explored the effectiveness of different sun shirts for children with juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease. Fourth grader Evelyn Hill from Pride Elementary received accolades for her project "Debrevator," an autonomous vehicle prototype designed to collect debris after storms. Fifth grader Justin Gallo Castillo from Lutz K-8 was recognized for his project "Land Ho," which analyzed sailboat sail designs to determine the fastest route to a destination.

The secondary portion of the meeting highlighted winners from middle and high school categories. Tanishka Chinthamaneni from Williams Middle Magnet School won the junior division Best of Fair for her project "Chemistry: Blood versus Bleach." In the senior division, Daniel Park from King High School was awarded for his project on optimizing perchlorate bioremediation, which involved complex scientific analysis.

The event underscored the importance of STEM education and the dedication of students, teachers, and school administrators in fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry. Each winner was accompanied by their respective principals and teachers, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind their achievements. The recognition of these students not only celebrates their hard work but also inspires future generations to engage in scientific exploration.