On Saturday, March 23, twenty-six students from Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro took part in the Maine State Science Fair, despite the last-minute change to a virtual format. Despite the new setting, the students remained enthusiastic and engaged in the experience. Each student had a 10-15 minute Zoom interview with their judges.

Competing against approximately 250 students from 24 schools across the state, the MVHS students showcased their projects. Five projects from MVHS students were able to secure a spot within the top three of their respective categories. This impressive feat marks the second year in a row that Medomak students have excelled at the science fair.

Sam Parent was awarded first place in the computer science category for his innovative project that focused on using drones and neural networks to detect crop disease. Ace Moberly secured second place in the plant science (agriculture) category for their research on using eel wastewater as a fertilizer treatment. Lyra Puchalski’s animal science project on the impact of carbon dioxide on the ciliary function of blue mussels earned her a third-place award.

Anna Weber and Micaela Lorentzen received third place in the plant science category for their project on reducing eutrophication via arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. David Creamer’s project on the impact of blue light on fruit flies placed third in the biological sciences and engineering category. Elisah Stanton received the Reach Award, recognizing promising first-year students, while Anna Possee was offered a scholarship to the University of New England. Jack Martin was awarded a full tuition renewable scholarship to the University of Southern Maine.