Small Scientists, Big Ideas
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Young Scientists Shine at Mount Olive Elementary Science Fair
April, 2026
The Mount Olive School District proudly hosted its Elementary Science Fair on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Mount Olive High School, bringing together student scientists from across the district for a day of discovery and innovation.
A total of 107 projects were presented by students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, representing all four elementary schools: Chester M. Stephens, Tinc Road, Sandshore, and Mountain View. The event showcased an impressive range of creativity, curiosity, and scientific thinking.
Students explored a variety of engaging topics, including earthquake-resistant structures, geodes, lasers, volcanoes, and more. Each project reflected the students’ dedication and enthusiasm for learning, making it a truly inspiring experience for all who attended.
In addition to the exhibits, families were invited to tour Mount Olive High School. Principal Kevin Stansberry led guided tours, giving parents a firsthand look at the high school and a glimpse into their children’s future educational journey. “The level of creativity and critical thinking on display today was truly impressive,” said Stansberry. “It’s exciting to see our youngest learners exploring real-world concepts and developing a passion for science. Events like this highlight the strong foundation being built across our elementary schools.”
Science fairs like this play an important role in fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and independent thinking at an early age. By engaging in hands-on experimentation and research, students build critical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Opportunities like the Mount Olive Elementary Science Fair not only encourage a deeper understanding of scientific concepts but also inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
After careful evaluation, the following students were recognized for their outstanding work:
Grades 3–5
1st Place: Saanvi Gurao (Grade 5, Mountain View) – Influence of Music on Mental Health
2nd Place: Aradhya Premkumar & Heeral Moolya (Grade 5, Chester M. Stephens) – The Germ Squad: Mission Invisible
3rd Place: Aditya Singh (Grade 3, Mountain View) – What Happens to Electric Cars in the Cold?
Grades K–2
1st Place: Shreyan Dasari & Karan Meruva (Grade 2, Chester M. Stephens) – Trash to Treasure
2nd Place: Olivia Paez & Bria Zockoff (Grade 2, Mountain View) – How to Make Great Rock Candy
3rd Place: Miraya Wasekar & Niyatee Pawar (Grade 2, Chester M. Stephens) – Water Purification Model
Special Awards
Kids’ Choice (Grades 3–5): Amy Valencia (Grade 4, Mountain View) – Tornado
Kids’ Choice (Grades K–2): Sophia Mah (Grade 2, Mountain View) – Spring Garden – Seed Sprouting
Judges’ Choice (Grades K–2): Jett Ghoshal (Grade 1, Sandshore) – School of Rock
Judges’ Choice (Grades 3–5): Ryan Sujith (Grade 5, Chester M. Stephens) – Energy Harvesting
The Elementary Science Fair highlighted the district’s commitment to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning at an early age. With such impressive participation and creativity on display, the future is bright for our young scientists. If the smiles below are any indication, the Mount Olive Elementary Science Fair was a tremendous success!
