Healdsburg Science Fair Awards Presented at Villa Chanticleer

It’s been 55 years since the first Healdsburg Science Fair was held in town, and despite almost fading away several times, either from disinterest or lack of funds, the 2013 HSF was on show this week at Villa Chanticleer.

Eight local schools participated – this is not a HUSD event, but one that runs on volunteers and donations – including Alexander Valley School, Healdsburg Elementary School, HES’s Fitch Mountain Campus, Healdsburg Charter School, the Healdsburg School, St. John’s Catholic School, Healdsburg Jr. High and the West Side School.

Brian Kreck, this year’s co-chairman of the event, told the assembled parents that he had been a participant as a student when the Healdsburg Science Fair was held at the Armory on Powell Ave. Now he’s more involved than ever: He’ll be sole chairman of the event next year.

Then longtime chairman and this year’s co-chair Mike Scrobonia and science mentor John Murphy presented the awards, from  Kindergarten to 8th Grade, along with Best of Group awards for K-2, 3-5, and 6-8th graders.

The John Max Award, or Best in Show, went to Sofia Fausone of The Healdsburg School, a 5th grader, for her project "Is Hotter Faster?"

The Dean Darby Award went to 8th graders Lilla Nagy and Natalya Quiroz  of Healdsburg Junior High for their project "Using Electroculture to Increase Plant Growth Rate."

A full list of winners is available as a PDF with this article.

Categories include both the traditional Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. Special categories include the popular Rube Goldberg Machines award in Technology, Environmental Awards sponsored by Sonoma Technology, and Mycology/Botany Awards sponsored by the Sonoma County Mycological Association.

Congratulations to all the participating students – winners, runners-up and all those who participated, including students, their teachers and parents.

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter