ESFDB holds school level STEM Fair

Seventh-grade student Angelo Lucero demonstrates and explains his science project to the judges. (Contributed Photo)

The students of Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja recently participated in the school’s fourth annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Fair to culminate a year of scientific learning in the classrooms.

Each student from grades first to eighth developed a project with the help of their teachers or parents to present at the fair. The primary goal was to have fun and to develop a positive attitude toward Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM.

During the fair, these talented and brightest students had the opportunity to exhibit and discuss their projects with three judges. The judges were impressed with the various projects covering Mathematics, Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Technology and Electronics, and Health.

Since its initiation by the school administrator and principal Carmen H. Atalig in 2011, teachers, administrators, and parents have been working together to ensure that students foster a love of STEM.

“It truly is a collaborative effort, bringing together administration, teachers, parents, and students who all have a common passion for STEM-related topics, with each entity playing a critical role in the education of our students,” said Atalig. “It is our hope that students who participate in our school-level STEM Fair will develop a lifelong passion and interest in these subjects that will inspire, encourage, and prepare them for careers in science.”

‘‘This STEM Fair is not just about getting judged and winning, but to educate our students at a younger age in order to create a career path for them,” said ESFDB STEM coordinator Mary Rose Lucero. ‘‘These are not just students. I truly believe these are future scientists we’re molding in the Rota community.”

After the judging, the following students walked away as winners and were given certificates:

CLUSTER 1: KINDER – 2ND GRADE
• Life Science Category: Star C. Mendiola, Titus Hugh T. Hocog, Marco Edward B. Hocog
• Earth Science Category: John Henry V. Tacud
• Physical Science Category: Sharlane Angel V. Balce, Diah A’Ina Q. Maratita
• Health/Nutrition/Medical Category: Edward U. Maratita, III
• Technology and Electronics Category: John Anthony N. Tobongbanua

CLUSTER 2: 3RD – 5TH GRADES
• Life Science Category: Éclair Marj M. Ladao, Maria Althea C. Mendiola, John Kent Clitar
• Earth Science Category: SonJoe S. Manuel, Autumn T. Hocog, Cyrus Atalig
• Physical Science Category: MJ L. Mahusay and Brylle P. Reyel (tie), Marvin Clitar, Auston Marvin E. Guiawan
• Mathematics Category: Kaitlyn Amber P. Balgoa

CLUSTER 3: 6TH – 8TH GRADES
• Physical Science Category: Joshua James O. Puerto, Marjorie J. Banaag
• Health/Nutrition/Medical Category: Aneshia Ciony M. Reyes, Jeremy John Atalig, II
• Technology and Electronics Category: Angelo S. Lucero
• Mathematics Category: Tyra Reese A. Calvo
• Behavior and Social Science Category: Raimundo Y. Manglona

This year’s school level overall winners are Edward U. Maratita, III (1st Grade), John Anthony N. Tobongbanua (2nd Grade), MJ L. Mahusay (3rd Grade), Brylle Angelo P. Reyel (3rd Grade), and Tyra Reese A. Calvo (8th Grade).

These overall winners will be heading to Saipan sometime in March to represent the school and the Luta community at the Public School System CNMI-wide STEM Fair.

“I am happy and excited, and my parents are proud of me,” said 3rd grade student Brylle Reyel of his win at the school-level STEM Fair. “This is my first time and I will have a chance to compete on Saipan.”

“I encourage parents to continue helping their child[ren] in this greatest educational event. Who knows where the future will take the child in this science fair. One thing is for sure, these bright young minds are evidence that science can be fun, not to mention rewarding,” said ESFDB board president Edward C. Maratita Jr.

The administration, students, faculty and staff, and board of directors would like to express their appreciation to parents for supporting their children, and to the judges: Rev. Fr. Charlie Borja, Francisco S. Calvo, and Orly Soria, and Tita A. Hocog. (ESFDB)