MVU to Take Part in the 2024 Vermont Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Fair alongside Schools

Six students from Missisquoi Valley Union participated in the Vermont State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fair on March 30 at Norwich University. These students were finalists in the local MVU STEM Fair held on Feb. 8. At the state fair, the students presented their projects to multiple judges and visitors. One of the students won a gold medal, which placed them in the top 10% among participants, and also received a $3,000 scholarship to the New Hampshire Academy of Science, among other prizes.

The students from MVU who attended the fair were Kelsey Paradee, Avery Guyette, Surelle Casperson, and Rowan Gregory from grade 10, and Briana Fremeau and Emma Flanders from grade 9, along with MVU STEM Fair coordinator Rich Ballard. Avery Guyette won a gold medal for her project on whether perceived attractiveness influences judicial decisions in court cases. She also received prizes from the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Psychological Association for her achievement in research.

Emma Flanders presented a project on how luminol reacts when mixed with other chemicals at the fair. The MVU science teachers were instrumental in encouraging their students to work on these projects. Local businesses and community organizations, including Viatris, supported the MVU STEM Fair with grants. The non-profit STEM Challenge Initiative also provided a grant for the event. Special thanks were given to MVU STEM Fair coordinator Rich Ballard for organizing and supporting the students in their participation in the fair.