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Elko County Science Fair

28 years and counting . . . . . . . . . .

The 28th annual Elko County Science Fair, a regional affiliate of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair was held March 15th-18th, 2010 at the Elko Convention Center. Last year, 369 projects were entered in the fair, involving approximately 900 students. These projects were selected from site fairs held at 13 schools. These site fairs involved approximately 3000 students. Of the 369 projects, 88 were in grades 9-12.

In 1982 students in the Gifted and Talented program under the direction of Diane Hecht competed in the Washoe County Regional Science Fair. Diane returned and established the Elko County Science Fair. From it’s modest beginnings in 1983 to the present day, the fair has been gifted with tremendous support from the community, Elko County School District Board of Trustees, administration, teachers, and of course the students parents.

Many of the winners of past fairs have gone on to post-doctorate degrees. These include at least two doctors, a pharmacist, University professors and science teachers. One former grand prize winner applied for and was accepted to NASA. While this individual ended up choosing another career path, the fact that one of our own arrived at that pinnacle of achievement says a great deal about education in Elko County. It makes us pause and consider; what will this year’s winners from the 1st grade be doing 28 years from now?

A Brief Historical perspective. . . . . . . . .