Riverside County awards science fair finalists and winners ahead of state competition

The spotlight shone brightly on the 2025 Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair as the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board celebrated the achievements of its young scientists during their recent meeting. Eddie, the district's science fair coordinator, proudly recognized the finalists and winners, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the students involved.

The journey began in January with the district science fair, featuring 91 projects from over 176 students. From this impressive pool, 16 projects and 37 students advanced to the county level, where they showcased their innovative ideas and research. Eddie expressed excitement about the upcoming state science fair, set for April 13 in Thousand Oaks, where some of these talented students will represent the district.

Among the honorees were finalists from various schools, including Las Palmitas, Mountain Vista, Saul Martinez, and Palm View. Notable winners included Gael Cruz and Jose Chaitres Araujo from Las Palmitas, as well as gold medalists Jaslyn Cepeda, Daisy Vargas, and Amy Almanza from Palm View, who will compete at the state level.

Eddie emphasized the importance of community support, thanking teachers, parents, and administrators for their roles in fostering such talent. The recognition of these young innovators not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires future generations to engage in science and engineering. As the district looks forward to the state competition, the excitement and pride in the accomplishments of these students are palpable, marking a significant moment for CVUSD.