Fredonia Schools Host Successful Science Fair and STEM Night
By: Lumen Cristy Ihong

Fredonia schools came alive with curiosity and excitement on the evening of February 9, 2026,
as students, families, and community members gathered for the annual Science Fair and STEM
Night. The event showcased student innovation, hands-on learning, and strong community
involvement across all grade levels.

The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated Egg Drop Challenge, now in its second
year. Students and their families were invited to design and build their own inventions to protect
a raw egg from a dramatic fall. Last year’s eggs were dropped from a 40-foot fire truck ladder,
but this year raised the stakes even higher with a 55-foot forestry bucket truck.

The egg drop took place in front of the school building, where spectators gathered to watch the
thrilling challenge unfold. At exactly 5:30 p.m., participants finalized their creations while families
and community members filled the area in eager anticipation. By 6:00 p.m., the official drop
began. One by one, carefully engineered contraptions plunged from the bucket truck toward the
ground as the crowd cheered and held their breath.

This year’s egg drop was made possible through the generous support of Oran Stoval of “Out
On A Limb,” who provided the forestry bucket truck and assisted with the drops. The school
extends its sincere gratitude for his time, expertise, and willingness to help create a memorable
and safe experience for students and families.

Out of 29 entries, 12 eggs survived the 55-foot fall and were declared winners. Successful
participants included Candice Ashley, Serena Bunting, Hazel Webster, Ezra Cram, Kyla Cluff,
Trey Cluff, Sierra Cluff, Santania Lomahquahu, Zack Wilmarth, Kennedy Bistline, Tyce Marshall,
and Leah Johnson.

Following the egg drop, attendees moved indoors to view the impressive display of student
science fair projects, which had been pre-judged earlier that day. Projects demonstrated
creativity, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving skills across elementary, middle, and high
school levels.

Elementary School Winners
Grand Prize: Josiah Chacon
1st Place: Leah Johnson
2nd Place: Natalie Ashley
3rd Place: Kaison Bistline
4th Place: Aiden Begay
5th Place: Stephen Langston

Middle School Winners
Grand Prize: Glory Rogers
1st Place: Laynee Grover
2nd Place: Tren Allen & Aiyavee Shearer
3rd Place: McKenna Bistline
4th Place: Tia Lee & Krissy Burke
5th Place: Candice Ashley & Emberlyn Wilmarth
 

High School Winners
Grand Prize: Verginia Black
1st Place: Isabella Black
2nd Place: Carrson Cluff
3rd Place: Taelynn Henderson
4th Place: Omree Meng
5th Place: Danni Waters & Anakah Delaney (tie)

The school extends heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated judges who generously volunteered
their time and expertise to evaluate the projects: Lannell Allen, Pete Degen, Marcia Meier, Jill
Luce, Tony Schoenfeld, Suzanne Thornberry, and Victoria Xiong. Their thoughtful feedback and
commitment helped make the competition meaningful and rewarding for all participants.
In addition to the competition, families enjoyed a table of free books where students could select
titles to take home, promoting literacy alongside scientific exploration.

STEM activities were held simultaneously in high school classrooms, giving parents and
community members an opportunity to explore the campus and see where students learn each
day. Activity stations featured rock mining, puzzle challenges, and robotics, allowing participants
to engage in hands-on experiences that highlighted science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics in action.

Fredonia’s Science Fair and STEM Night proved to be both educational and entertaining - a
celebration of innovation, perseverance, and community spirit. Events like this continue to
inspire students to think critically, explore new ideas, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Fredonia Engineering Students Experience College
Innovation at Southern Utah University
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

On February 24, 2026, the Fredonia High School Engineering class had the opportunity to visit
the Engineering and Technology Department at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.
The students were accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Ihong, as part of our continued effort to
expose them to real world applications of engineering and future college pathways.

This meaningful visit was made possible through the support of the Fredonia School
administration and College Director Richard Cozzens, who allowed our students to experience
firsthand what engineering looks like at the university level. We are also sincerely thankful to
Dean Bill Heyborn for welcoming our group and taking the time to introduce the programs and
opportunities available to aspiring engineers.

The visit began with a warm welcome from the Dean, who encouraged the students to continue
developing their skills and to consider higher education as part of their long term goals. From
there, the class toured the makerspace and machine shop. University instructors explained that
engineering goes beyond creating designs on paper. Students saw how ideas are transformed
into actual prototypes through careful planning, precision work, and hands on application.
Observing college students build and test their projects gave our class a clearer understanding
of the engineering process from concept to completion.

The group also visited the wind tunnel laboratory, where students learned how airflow is tested
to improve various designs. Seeing the equipment in action helped them connect classroom
concepts with real engineering practices.

One of the highlights of the trip was the virtual reality classroom. Students were able to
participate in an immersive geography exploration, virtually visiting different places and
countries. The experience combined technology, creativity, and global awareness, and it was
evident how much the students enjoyed learning in such an interactive environment.

Fredonia’s Engineering CTE class is a pioneering program for our school. Providing students
with exposure to college facilities and advanced technology plays an important role in shaping
their confidence and aspirations. Experiences like this encourage them to pursue higher
education and inspire them to continue building the skills needed for their future careers.

This visit served as a powerful reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. By
stepping onto a university campus and engaging with innovative tools and technology, our
students were able to envision themselves as future engineers and college students.

Sunshine and Smiles: Fredonia Students Share Songs and Stories with
Seniors
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

At exactly 12 noon on February 26, 2026, kindergarten through second grade students from
Fredonia Elementary School brought music, laughter, and heartfelt connection to the Fredonia
Senior Center. The midday visit was part of the school’s ongoing community service efforts, a
tradition that began in 2023 and is now proudly in its third year.

Each year, the youngest learners in Fredonia Schools set aside time to visit local seniors with
one simple goal: to brighten their day. What started as a small outreach effort has grown into a
meaningful annual experience that both students and seniors eagerly anticipate.

The program opened with a lively performance of “You’re Adorable.” Each child held a letter of
the alphabet and raised it when their letter was mentioned in the song, creating a coordinated
and charming display. The seniors responded with smiles, soft laughter, and warm applause as
the students confidently followed along.

The second selection, “You Are My Sunshine,” filled the room with warmth. The children’s voices
blended sweetly as they sang, spreading joy throughout the gathering space. Some seniors
quietly sang along, while others listened with bright expressions that reflected the impact of the
moment.

After the musical presentation, the students sat beside their senior partners and shared stories
from grade level appropriate books. One by one, the young readers demonstrated growing
confidence and developing literacy skills. The individual interactions created space for
conversation, encouragement, and genuine connection between generations.

The visit was more than a performance. It was an opportunity for students to practice empathy
and service in a real world setting, while seniors enjoyed meaningful time with Fredonia’s
youngest community members.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Mrs. Lumen Ihong shared, “Moments like this remind us that
learning goes beyond the classroom walls. When our students share their songs and stories,
they are also sharing kindness, respect, and love. Watching their little voices bring big smiles to
our senior friends is truly a blessing for all of us.”

As the students waved goodbye and returned to school, the sunshine outside mirrored the
warmth left inside the senior center, a reminder that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting
impression.

Fredonia Preschool Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Fun and Learning

By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Love, laughter, and learning filled the classroom during Fredonia Elementary School’s
Preschool Valentine’s Party held on February 11, 2025. The special celebration, thoughtfully
organized by Mrs. Jeanne Crookston, Fredonia Elementary School’s Kindergarten and
Preschool teacher, combined festive fun with meaningful learning experiences designed
especially for young learners.

To make the day engaging and educational, Mrs. Crookston prepared five interactive learning
centers that allowed preschool students to rotate through hands-on activities while celebrating
Valentine’s Day. The first center featured a Valentine Bingo game, where students practiced
listening and matching skills in an exciting group setting. At the second center, children enjoyed
decorating heart-shaped cookies, encouraging creativity while developing fine motor skills.

Learning continued at the third center through a Valentine Math activity focused on adding
numbers, helping students strengthen early math concepts in a fun and meaningful way. The
fourth center, a Valentine Cover Up game, provided another opportunity for students to practice
number recognition and counting skills. At the fifth center, students created Valentine crafts to
take home and share with their families, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the
celebration.

The preschoolers also joined in the festive spirit by wearing red and pink outfits, filling the
classroom with bright colors and joyful energy. The event highlighted how learning and
celebration can come together to create meaningful and memorable experiences for young
children.

Fredonia Preschool continues to provide a nurturing environment where students learn through
play, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Families interested in giving their child the opportunity
to experience fun and meaningful learning at Fredonia are encouraged to inquire about
upcoming preschool registration.

Preschool at Fredonia Elementary School is free. For more information about enrollment and
registration, please contact Fredonia Elementary School. The staff looks forward to welcoming
new families into the preschool community.

BLM Kanab Inspires Young Scientists at Fredonia Elementary
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

The first and second grade class at Fredonia Elementary School recently experienced an
exciting journey through time as representatives from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Kanab visited students for an engaging presentation on fossils, Earth’s evolutionary history, and
past climates.

The visit was made possible through the initiative of Liz Kolle and Jason Jason of BLM Kanab,
together with paleontologist Katja Knoll and intern Kris Diy. The team introduced students to the
important work of studying fossils and how scientists use evidence preserved in rocks to better
understand how Earth and living organisms have changed over millions of years.

The visit came at a perfect time, as students are currently learning about scientists in their
science lessons, including the field of paleontology. Hearing directly from a paleontologist
allowed students to better understand how scientists study the Earth and interpret clues from
the past. The real-world connection helped bring classroom learning to life and gave students a
deeper appreciation for how science works beyond textbooks.

The young learners of Fredonia Elementary quickly embraced the experience, showing
remarkable curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the visit. Students eagerly asked questions
about how fossils are discovered, how scientists study them, and even what a paleontologist’s
laboratory looks like. The presenters encouraged students’ curiosity, creating an interactive
environment where questions and exploration were welcomed.

A highlight of the visit was a hands-on activity where students created their own fossil imprints
using clay and molds. By pressing shapes resembling rocks, shells, and other natural objects
into clay, students gained a deeper understanding of how fossils form and are preserved over
time. The activity allowed students to experience scientific concepts in a meaningful and
memorable way.

The visit provided students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world
science while inspiring curiosity about Earth’s history and scientific careers. Experiences like
this continue to support Fredonia Elementary School’s commitment to engaging students
through hands-on learning and strong partnerships with community organizations.
The BLM Kanab team’s visit left the class inspired, curious, and excited to continue exploring
the natural world around them.

Fredonia Elementary School Spreads Holiday Cheer With Christmas Concert

By Lumen Cristy Ihong

On December 15, 2025, at 6:00 in the evening, Fredonia Elementary School welcomed families
and community members for a joyful Christmas Concert that filled the campus with music,
laughter, and holiday spirit. The event was a heartfelt way for the school to wish the community
a merriest Christmas this season.

The concert was led by the school’s dedicated music teacher, Mrs. Eraina Aldrich, who worked
closely with students from preschool through seventh grade. Throughout the weeks leading up
to the performance, students practiced their songs and routines during music classes, preparing
an entertaining and meaningful program for the audience.

The evening began with delightful performances from the preschool and kindergarten classes.
The youngest students took the stage with confidence and charm as they presented poems and
songs including The Chubby Little Snowman by Kathy Reid Naiman, He Has a Red Red Coat
by Lindy Margaret Adamson and Brent Holt, and Reindeer Hokey Pokey, adapted by Larry
LaPrise, Charles Macak, and Tafit Baker. Wearing adorable reindeer headbands, the children
instantly won the hearts of the audience.

Following their performance, the first and second grade students brought smiles and laughter
with When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney by Ella Fitzgerald and the holiday favorite Jingle
Bells by James Lord Pierpont.

The third and fourth grade classes then showcased their musical growth by performing Jingle
Bells on the recorder and singing Dominick the Donkey by Lou Monte. Their performance
highlighted both instrumental skills and enthusiastic vocals.

Next, the fifth and sixth grade students impressed the audience with a beautiful ukulele rendition
of Silent Night and a spirited performance of Last Christmas by WHAM, demonstrating
confidence and teamwork on stage.

Closing the individual grade performances was a special appearance by selected sixth and
seventh grade students from Mr. Canaan’s class. The group formed a live band, featuring
drums and guitars, and performed Jingle Bells by James Lord Pierpont. Mr. Canaan served as
both vocalist and guitarist, adding an exciting and memorable element to the evening.
The concert concluded with a joyful rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, led by the
band, as students and audience members celebrated together.

The night not only spread Christmas cheer but also highlighted the talents, confidence, and
potential of Fredonia’s students. The Christmas Concert was a true celebration of music,
community, and the spirit of the season, leaving everyone with warm hearts and holiday smiles.

Fredonia Elementary Students Share Holiday Spirit Through Christmas Caroling

By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Preschool through second grade students of Fredonia Elementary School brought holiday cheer to the Fredonia community during a Christmas caroling event held on December 11, 2025, at 6:00 in the evening. Led by their teachers, Mrs. Jeanne Crookston and Mrs. Lumen Ihong, students proudly shared the joy of the season by singing Christmas songs for local residents.

The young carolers practiced and prepared two beloved holiday favorites, Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Despite the cold winter evening, students bundled up in coats and scarves and were joined by supportive families as they rode on a flatbed trailer owned and driven by Jesse Johnson. The trailer was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and festive decorations, creating a perfect and cheerful setting for the caroling experience.

The group traveled throughout the neighborhood, making several stops along the way. Their route included the Ridings residence, followed by the Johnsons, the Pratts, the Fire House, the Sants, the Barons, the Reidheads, and concluding at the Grover and Mudrow homes. At each stop, community members warmly welcomed the students and expressed appreciation for the heartfelt performances.

The Christmas caroling tradition began last December and was warmly embraced by teachers and families. Due to the positive response and joy it brings to both students and the community, the tradition continued this year and is expected to carry on in the coming years.

Mrs. Ihong, who is originally from the Philippines, shared that caroling is an important part of how Filipinos celebrate Christmas. As a cultural exchange teacher, one of the goals of the program is to share traditions from her home country and provide students with meaningful cultural experiences.

The excitement of the evening was captured by Oakley, a preschool student, who joyfully exclaimed upon returning to school, “This is so much fun!” The event concluded with students and families gathering back at the school to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies together.

Fredonia Elementary School extends its sincere gratitude to the students and families, Jesse Johnson and family for providing the beautifully decorated flatbed trailer, and the dedicated teachers who made this festive and heartwarming event a success for the Fredonia community.

Fredonia Students Decorate Town Christmas Tree With Handcrafted Ornaments

By Lumen Cristy Ihong

The holiday spirit filled the air on December 4 at 10:30 in the morning as students from
kindergarten through twelfth grade gathered to decorate the Fredonia Town Christmas Tree with
their handcrafted ornaments. The festive event brought together the entire Fredonia Schools
community for a morning of creativity, unity, and celebration.

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade rode the school buses to the Town Hall, while
middle school and high school students walked together, their steps filled with excitement
despite the chilly weather. Each student brought a unique ornament they had designed and
crafted in class, reflecting their imagination and joyful anticipation for the holiday season.
Younger students, especially those in kindergarten through second grade, were supported by
several high school volunteers who helped them during the ornament-making sessions. These
volunteers assisted with cutting, crafting, and decorating, creating a meaningful moment of
mentorship and teamwork across grade levels.

Upon arriving at the Town Hall, students proudly hung their ornaments on the community
Christmas tree, transforming it into a dazzling display of color and creativity. The tree quickly
filled with festive shapes and bright designs that showcased the artistic talents of children
across Fredonia Schools.

Although the weather was chilly, the warm, rich hot chocolate served afterward brought comfort
to everyone. Students also enjoyed delicious donuts as they chatted, laughed, and mingled with
friends from other grades. The gathering created a heartwarming sense of togetherness, turning
a cold morning into a cozy and memorable celebration.

Fredonia Schools extends its gratitude to the teachers, staff, and volunteers who helped make
this event a success. The Fredonia Town Christmas Tree now stands beautifully adorned,
serving as a shining symbol of creativity, community pride, and the joy of the holiday season —
lovingly decorated by the students who brought it to life.

Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District Honors Local Heroes in Veterans Day
Program
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

On the crisp morning of November 10, 2025, the Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District
gathered in front of the Elementary School Building to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice
of America’s veterans. The Veterans Day Program, held at 10 o’clock in the morning, brought
together the entire school community — students from kindergarten through twelfth grade,
teachers, staff, and administrators — to pay tribute to the men and women who have served in
the United States Armed Forces.

The solemn and inspiring ceremony was hosted by local veterans who led the program with
dignity and pride. Students stood respectfully as the veterans conducted the flag ceremony,
reminding everyone of the importance of freedom, unity, and national pride.
One of the most meaningful moments of the morning was the burning of old and worn American
flags. This respectful act symbolized the proper retirement of flags that had served their time
with honor, teaching students the value of respect for the nation’s symbols.

The ceremony concluded with a moving 21-gun salute that echoed through the cool morning air.
The sound served as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who have fought
to defend the nation’s liberty and peace.

The Veterans Day Program became more than just a ceremony — it was a living lesson in
patriotism and gratitude. By standing together, the students and staff of Fredonia Moccasin
Unified School District joined the community in expressing heartfelt appreciation to America’s
heroes, ensuring that the legacy of their service continues to inspire future generations.