Public schools sweep science awards -- again!

  • Posted May 23, 2023
First-place student stands in front of their science fair project

Once again, City School District of Albany students excelled at the citywide Joseph Henry Science Fair, taking first prize in all categories for both elementary and middle schools.

The event was held Friday at The College of Saint Rose. Elementary- and middle-school students from all district schools competed, along with students from Albany private and parochial schools. Each section consisted of categories for individual projects and team projects.

Here are the winners and their projects. Congratulations to all!

Elementary school – individual projects

  • First prize, Augie Bebe, grade 5, Montessori Magnet School. Project: “The Temperature of Different Colors of Light.” Note: His project earned a perfect score, and it’s the second year in a row that his project placed first!
  • Second prize, Camilla Diefendorf, grade 5, Eagle Point Elementary School. Project: “Keeping Apples from Turning Brown.”
  • Third prize, Daniela Contreras, grade 4, Dual Language Program. Project: “The Dirtiest Place in School.”
  • Honorable mention, Sam Colman, grade 4, New Scotland Elementary School. Project: “Seeds.”
  • Honorable mention, Charlotte Bishop, grade 4, Montessori Magnet School. Project: “What’s Going on in the Vase?”

Elementary school – team projects

  • First prize, Emilia Eng and Ruby Mercier, grade 5, New Scotland Elementary School. Project: “Where Should You Store Popcorn Kernels?”
  • Second prize, Nayima Ibinda Bouittys, Alana Hall, Julianny Espino Mena and Maida Mohsini, grade 5, Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy. Project: “Strawberry.”
  • Third prize, Ella Squires and Assetou Diane, grade 5, Pine Hills Elementary School. Project: “M&Ms Dissolving in Different Liquids.”
  • Honorable mention, Eleina Corniel and Juliana DiVirgilio, grade 5, Dual Language Program, Project: “The Eraser Faceoff.”
  • Honorable mention, K’arie Hermitt and Denzel Martinez, grade 5, Giffen Memorial Elementary School. Project: “Bread Shelf Life: Rye vs. White.”

Middle school – individual projects

  • First prize, Jolie Benjamin (pictured above right), grade 7, William S. Hackett Middle School. Project: “Baking Powder Bakery.”

Middle school – team projects

  • First prize, Maya Chittur, Norah Sweet and Kamryn Werts, grade 7, William S. Hackett Middle School. Project: “Lead is Lurking
  • Second prize, Alex Harper, Farhan Hossain, Owen Reich and Orlando Torres-Martinez, grade 7, North Albany Middle School. Project: “Which Tape is the Strongest?”
  • Third prize, Emma Carlson, Emma Dalland and Sarah Kirk, grade 6, William S. Hackett Middle School. Project: “Which Medium Grows the Best Catgrass?”
  • Honorable mention, Giuliana Gaspary and Nikol Gjoka, grade 7, William S. Hackett Middle School. Project: “Perfect Cookie.”
  • Honorable mention, Kyan Grant, Alex Myers, Rinchen Palden and Htee Taw, grade 7, Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School. Project: “Baking Soda and Vinegar Reactions.”