Vision Charter Students Receive Top Awards at the Idaho Science & Engineering Fair

Presidential Award Winner in Science Education for 2016 and Vision Charter School High School Teacher, Jason George shared his perspective on the six teams that attended ISEF, “These students were absolutely amazing! Totally original research ideas, tons of paperwork, well-written research proposals, excellent time management, and just the grit and determination to see a large scale research project through to the end. The future is really bright for these students. Our group of juniors will be competing against 72 other nations in the international competition in May.  They will have the opportunity to meet other STEM students from all over the globe during their week long competition.”

TJ Herndon, Brooklyn Legg, and Luke Campbell won first place overall at ISEF and an all-expense-paid trip to the International Science Fair in LA for their team and Mr. George. This team competed in the category of Engineering specifically in the area of high-efficiency rocket nozzles. They won the Airforce Engineering Award, Gold in Category, Best in Category, and Best in Fair!

Jules VanHaren won the silver medal in the area of Energy, Earth, and Environmental Sciences. Her project was researching the impacts of “slurry” on the environment after forest fire remediation. The Association for Women Geoscientists presented her with an award for an outstanding project in Environmental Sciences. In addition, she received the award for Top Outstanding Research Project at the Western Idaho Science and Engineering Fair. Jules also received an award from ASU Walton for Sustainability Solutions.

Madison Cowles, Clara Jorgensen, and Brenna Hargrove won the silver medal in Physical Sciences. Their project was focusing on using biomimicry to design a more protective helmet. This team also received the U.S. Air Force Engineering award and an outstanding project award from the Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering.

Ty Collins, Ben Collins, and Jacob Snow won two awards including the Ricoh Sustainable Development Award and the American Meteorological Society Certificate of Outstanding Achievement.  Their team focused on using bacteria to clean up oil spills in the oceans.

Erin Daniels, Jayli Eddings, and Sierra Daymude competed in the area of biomedical engineering. Their project focused on new stint technology to improve blood flow in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Connor Messick, Justin Alcott, and Dallin Vollmer focused their project on using biomimicry to improve camouflage.

Brooklyn Legg’s mom, Corla Legg, shared her reflection, “As a parent, I cannot put into words how happy and proud we are of T.J., Luke, and Brooklyn. They have worked so hard and for such a long time on this project. We are so thankful for Mrs. Mitchell for starting these wonderful students on this path and for Mr. George who has continued to lead and help them along. Brooklyn is SO excited and happy, not only that she and her team won and have a chance now to really improve their project, but at the success of all the students from our school. We were all SO proud every time one of our kids was named for an award. Thank you, Vision Charter School staff. You all have helped nurture, educate and grow these incredible young men and women and as one of their parents I will be forever grateful.”