HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Annual System Science and Engineering Fair celebrates student innovations

This year's System Science and Engineering Fair took a page from its own book.

The event, which has long extolled the learning and innovation that flow from scientific exploration, plied those same principles to host its first ever virtual fair.

"It's fitting that we turn to technology to present the scientific pursuits of our students," said System Science and Engineering Fair Co-chairperson Marc Trotta in a video awards presentation uploaded to the myClass Learning Management System (LMS) on March 10th.

Welcoming close to 120 students from 15 elementary schools, including the HWCDSB Virtual School, Trotta encouraged the budding scientists to pursue their interests in science and technology.

"Participating in Science Fair is an opportunity to develop critical thinking and the ability to analyze a problem and then apply that to the real world," he elaborated. "God unravels our wondrous creation and gives us the ability to marvel in its beauty as we transform the world."

Eighty-four projects were submitted to the online platform this year.

Some explored environmental issues like plastic pollution while others, like "Antiseptics: Do They Work?" and "Do Screens Affect Our Eyes?" may have been inspired by the pandemic.

"Every year the quality of the projects increases," commended Chairperson Patrick Daly in words of congratulations on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

"I want to encourage each of you as you continue your studies in science, technology and engineering to really work hard at making a positive difference in our world."

Our times are witnessing extraordinary scientific and technological developments, noted Director of Education David Hansen. "The limits of our knowledge seem endless and you, our youth, have begun or continue the journey that will push out the limits of our knowledge."

Citing St. John Paul II who called the human person the beginning, focus and goal of all scientific research, Hanson said the world will turn to our youth to increase the protection and experience of the human condition.

"You will transform living conditions for areas of our planet that are on the verge of extinction," he congratulated the students. "You will protect the human person through medical and ethical discoveries. You will find better ways, through technology and invention, to reduce the distance between people and bring a new level of peace to our world. And you will find ways to ensure that the beautiful gift of creation is given the full protection it deserves and requires."

That is exactly what the annual science and engineering fair purports to do, said SSEF Co-chair Maria Trotta in closing remarks: "Our goal is to encourage the pursuit of excellence and learning science and technology, keeping Christ at the centre as we plant the seeds of tomorrow's discoveries.

BASEF awards were presented to the top two exhibits in Grades 7-8: Katia Raso and Sarah Rozynski from St. Clare of Assisi for "Get the Scoop on Stroop," and Isabella Cushing from Canadian Martyrs for "How Changes in Precipitation Will Affect the Growth of Grass in Ontario."

Gold (85-100%) winning schools this year were St. Ann (Ancaster) and St. Augustine.

Medalling at the silver level (74-84.99%) were Holy Name of Mary, Immaculate Conception, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Martin of Tours.

Bronze (65-74.99) schools included Canadian Martyrs, Guardian Angels, St. John Paul II and the HWCDSB Virtual School.

See the video of the annuals presentation at https://vimeo.com/686909536/348ed9ed0d.

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GOLD MEDALS
Marcus Antolic, St. Ann (Ancaster)
Avery Bruce, Virtual School
Scarlet Conroy, St. Ann (Ancaster)
Isabella Cushing, Canadian Martyrs
Zachery Doherty & Alin Guy, St. Clare of Assisi
Justin Fajardo, Virtual School
Francesco Fuca & Caleb Mochado, St. John Paul II
Zenon Garcia, Guardian Angels
Gabriella Giavedoni & Marcello Giavedoni, Holy Name of Mary
Daniel Guagliano & Marcus Sulug, St. Clare of Assisi
Ryan Harrington, St. Augustine
Atticus Luciani, St. Augustine
Gavin Matheson, Virtual School
Viviana Mele & Sophia Citrigno, Immaculate Conception
Peyton Montgomery, Guardian Angels
Sophia Moran, Virtual School
Rowan Murphy & Ophelia Ribaric, St. Clare of Assisi
Mia Oliver, St. Augustine
Avery Orr, Virtual School
Avery Paule & Anisa Boivan, St. Augustine
Anugraha Pereppadan & Eva Joseph, Immaculate Conception
Evan Rajan, St. Augustine
Katia Raso & Sienna Mamone, St. Clare of Assisi
Rowan Scheban & Joshua Feltham, St. Augustine
Jeshan Joshua Shelesh, Virtual School

SILVER MEDALS
Timi Babem, St. Martin of Tours
Milania Caiella & Ella Faggion, Immaculate Conception
Isabella Cieri & Natasha Pereira, St. Martin of Tours
Santiago Cuello, Virtual School
Maia Embuldeniya-Fernando, St. Martin of Tours
Alessandro Foglietta, St. Ann (Ancaster)
Iszabelle Hyde, St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Medeia Miklea, Virtual School
Aylin Piasecki & Angelina Macasevic, Immaculate Conception
Christina Poplar & Fiona Leahy, Guardian Angels
Marina Viveiros, St. Ann (Ancaster)

BRONZE MEDALS
Leo Chimenti, St. Martin of Tours
Zara Croft, Virtual School
Clara Gauch Gomes Viana, Virtual School
Alivia Hill & Lucy Hume, St. Clare of Assisi
Emma Lachapelle & Sabrina Smith, St. Martin of Tours
Ethan Lawson, St. Vincent de Paul
Melina Martino & Lauren Marrazzo, St. Clare of Assisi
Halina Mozarowski, Virtual School
Bruno Nichele, Canadian Martyrs
Mostafa Rafea & Benjamin Sciore, Sacred Heart of Jesus
Hudson Sookdeo, Guardian Angels
Cameron Turner & Morel Tonleu, Sacred Heart of Jesus