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.