Students from all over the West Coast were nervous as they entered the Buller High School Hall that was decked out to host this year’s regional Science Fair.

Thirty judges were on hand to interview the students about their projects and had the unenviable job of deciding on winners.  With so many great projects to choose from, this was no easy task.  

The hall was buzzing with scientific chatter until lunch when it was time for final decisions and a fabulous lunch for the judges catered by the Food Technology department (it was soo yummy!).

Prize-giving was fully attended with 34 spot prizes being handed out before the awarding of ten more cash prizes.  As for the winners…

Primary Division:

1st :  Neve Dorey and Stella Forbes – Soaking Situation (Westport South)

2nd : Reid Jones and Jackson Bade – What’s Poppin? (Westport South)

3rd : Millie Martin – Rise of the Wise (Westport South)

Y9-10:

1st :  Harry Byrne - AirForce (John Paul II)

2nd : Amika Soster and Katelyn Fairweather - I’m all Ears (BHS)

3rd : Ollie Johnston – Rippin’ Reality (BHS)

Y11-13:

Hannah Jope – Salty Sprouts (BHS)

People’s Choice Awards – by category

World Saver: Jazmin Villarroel - Which water? (Westport South)

Creative: Annisa Elliot – Shell n Sugar (Westport South)

Eye Catching: Sebastion Schurr – Fired Up! (Westport South)

It was fantastic to be able to display the high-quality hard work of West Coast students.  Every student that participated has learned a great deal about the process of science and the need for resilience to take a project from start to finish.  Finally, thanks to our major sponsor for this year, and the next two, SGS NZ Ltd.

Stephen Dorey