49th Annual North Bay Regional Science Fair winners announced

Five students selected to go to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May. They are, from left to right: James Ross, Isaiah Saunders, Grant Lafontaine, Sarah Payne, and Carly Turcotte. Photo and story by Christine Page

The 49th Annual North Bay Regional Science Fair (NBRSF) was a big success for the 110 projects and 140 participants who took part in this year’s competition held in the Main Cafeteria today. Over 50 awards including medals, trophies, plaques, certificates and/or cheques were presented for the scientific initiatives of these brilliant students.

The highlight of the Awards ceremony was the designation of those who will represent the region at this year's Canada-Wide Science Fair 2011 to be held in Toronto, Ontario, May 14 to 21. Four projects were selected for this exciting opportunity.

Congratulations go to:

Grant Lafontaine of St. Huberts for his project “Trash to Gas: Renewable Biogass Energy” which won the Rotary Club of North Bay Award of Excellence, The Ontario Power Generation Renewable Resources Award, the North Bay Mall Earth and Environment Award, and a gold medal in the Junior Earth & Environment category;

Sarah Payne and Carly Turcotte of Widdifield for their project “Battle of the Blueberries” which won the Nipissing University Travel Award, the Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories Award, and a gold medal in the Senior Life Science category;

James Ross and Isaiah Saunders of St. Joseph-Scollard Hall for their project “Going Green: The Aspen Solution” which won The Sci-Tech Ontario Stepping Stone Award, The Trans Canada Award, the Northgate Square Biotech Award, the University of Ottawa Scholarship, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Innovator Award, the Rotary Club of North Bay Senior Environmental Award, the Nipissing Naturalists Club Award, and a gold medal in the Senior Earth & Environment category.

Master of Ceremonies, Mitch Belanger, of the Fox, presented an award for the ‘Coolest’ project to Graham Browning for his project ”High Rollers.”

The Fair was a very successful as Chair, Mike Pearsall commented, "It is very exciting to see the level of enthusiasm, and quality of projects participating in the Science Fair. The NBRSF Committee wish all these brilliant students continued success with their scientific endeavours.” The NBRSF anticipate greater regional school participation at future fairs and the realization of the immense value this educational event provides our youth. Anyone interested in participating on the committee, making a donation to the Regional Fair, or wanting more information please visit the website at www.nbrsf.com.

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