Parker School Students Stand Out at Hawaii Science Fair

Eleven Parker Middle School students took some of the top prizes during the 2015 Hawai`i District Science & Engineering Fair in Hilo on Feb. 7.  The students claimed awards in 16 categories, including First Place in the Junior Research Division taken by seventh grader Hali`a Buchal.

Four of the students will advance to compete at the state science fair on Oahu on March 22-24.  Parker School’s science department chair, Mindy Higgins, claimed the Outstanding Teachers Award for the Junior Research Division.

The winning Parker School students at the 2015 Hawai`i District Science & Engineering Fair are as follows:

1. Awards of Merit:  Helena Goto, Ben May, Emma Choi, Jordan Vedelli, Riley Higgins, Hiroki Soler, Makana Blake, Tierney Wold, Hali’a Buchal, Hunter Bugado, and Anna Gaglionne
2. American Association of University Women Award:  Tierney Wold
3. ‘Imiloa Outstanding Project in Space Science Award: 1st place winner: Tierney Wold
4. Charlie Chong Future Conservationist Award:  Hiroki Soler
5. TMT Galileo Award:  Riley Higgins, Jordan Vedelli, Hunter Bugado and Tierney Wold
6. Hapai Enterprises (The Outstanding Entomology/Zoology Award):  Ben May
7. Mauna Loa Observatory Award:  Hali’a Buchal
8. Joint Astronomy Centre’s Research Project Award:  Tierney Wold
9. Hawaii Electric Light Company Best in Engineering/Environmental Science Awards:  Hunter Bugado
10. Pacific International Center for Space Exploration Systems Award:  Tierney Wold
11. Office of Naval Research Award:  Hali’a Buchal
12. Best in Subject Categories:
13. a) Junior Best in Physics and Astronomy: Tierney Wold
14. b) Best in Plant Sciences:  Hali’a Buchal
15. Broadcom Masters: Hunter Bugado and Hali’a Buchal
16. The Robert M. and Alice K. Fujimoto Foundation Award (junior research): Hali’a Buchal
17. Hawaii District Science and Engineering Fair Travel Awards:  Hali’a Buchal, Hunter Bugado, Hiroki Soler and Tierney Wold
18. Outstanding Teachers Award for the Junior Division:  Mindy Higgins