FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stephanie Fontenot
Phone: (409) 766-5146
Email: stephaniefontenot@gisd.org
Galveston ISD Hosts Second STEM Science Fair
GALVESTON, Texas – Jan. 24, 2023 – The gymnasium in Galveston ISD’s Austin Middle School was brimming with young scholars and approximately 300 science projects on display recently during the district’s STEM Science Fair.
The fair is only the second of its kind to be hosted by the district, with the first occurring before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sixth through eighth-grade students participated in the event, including seventh and eighth-grade students in attendance from Central Middle School.
While participation was required for students in advanced courses, the fair was open to every student within participating grade levels.
The fair was supported by a grant from the Community Youth Development (CYD) Program and provided participants with after-school and weekend assistance with their projects if needed.
The grant also will provide the opportunity for a few students to attend the Science & Engineering Fair of Houston in the near future.
Grant representative and CYD Program Director Pamela Seroka was in attendance during the fair.
“Community Youth Development looks forward to a continued relationship with GISD, and we are excited we can share this special day with you,” Seroka stated during the fair’s opening remarks.
GISD and event organizers were proud to have more than 50 judges present during the event, many volunteering their time away from their professional positions.
“We had more than 50 judges participate, which is a record number of judges in GISD,” said Dr. Jean Langevine, GISD’s District Science K-12 coordinator.
The judges comprised professionals from numerous GISD departments, businesses such as Zero/Six Consulting LLC, NOAA’s Flower Garden Banks, UTMB Galveston, Galveston College, Texas A&M University Galveston, Delta Kappa Gamma, Aegis Aerospace, Inc., Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market, Urban Strategies, Inc., BASF, Kuraray America Inc., EduSmart Science, and more.
“It’s all about giving back to students,” Keva Powell said, a guest judge and employee attending on behalf of BASF manufacturing in Freeport.
“I came from a small town. I love being able to see how children develop and grow. It means a lot to give back to those who are coming up behind me,” Powell added.
Mario’s on the Seawall provided a catered lunch for judges during the event.
The district would like to thank the individuals and organizations whose partnership helped make this fair a success. GISD is hopeful for the growth of this event in future years to come.
