A record number of Westerville middle school students competed and qualified to attend Central District Science Day at Columbus State on March 16. At that contest, 14 received Superior ratings, making them eligible to compete at State Science Day, which will be held on May 11 at The Ohio State University’s French Field House and St. John’s arena. Moving on to the State competition are: Genoa students Alaina Carson, Natalie Lewis, Katie Lueckel, and Olivia Talamo; Heritage students Mia Hoffman, Cecillia Hollins, Jack Lovell, and Kasyn Scarantine; and Walnut Springs students Alayna Cianelli, Josh Coffey, Audrey Hammond, Mitchell McClain, Sarah Martin, and Grace Yingling.
Mitchell McClain, Walnut Springs, also won a special award from the AIAAC American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for innovation in research and material in atmospheric and space flight and/or propulsion. Heritage student Brian Courts won an award from Columbus State Community College for best use of the scientific method and careful design.
Pupils receiving Excellent Ratings at Central District Science Day were: Blendon students Ellie Bouton and Ryan Saleme; Genoa students Sebastian Bouscher-Helbig, Nicole Cardwell, Emma Dyer, Ben Leonard, Resham Mawalkar, Anna McLean, Max Nieman, Madison Seabury, Ilayda Sen, Danielle Shuttleworth, Gray Sobel, Allison South, Abigail Steele, and Elisabeth Steele; Heritage students Brian Courts and Jennifer Courts; and Walnut Springs students Ryan Hensley, Darby Hesson, Mackenzie Mantenieks, Kathryn Thompson, and Evan Voneman.