Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- A dozen Newton County science fair projects will compete at the state level next month.

Earlier this month, 12 middle and high school projects took first place at the Griffin RESA Regional Science Fair, allowing them to move to the next level, the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair at the University of Georgia in March.

Seven projects received second place awards and 13 projects won third place awards at the region event.

"Science is extremely important in this modern age we live in," said Dr. Gary Mathews, superintendent of Newton County Schools. "We are so proud to see so many of our students not only enter the regional science fair, but perform so exceedingly well. Thanks to our students and teachers."

In addition to winning a first place award, Vitaliy Semenikhin of Newton High School won the International Sustainable World (Engineering, Energy & Environment) Project Olympiad, or I-SWEEP recognition award, and the United States Air Force Award for his project, How Do Oils Affect Biodiesel? in the environmental sciences division.

Also, middle school students Billy Love from Indian Creek; Tyler Davis, Conrad Martin Jr. and Billy Allen from the Newton County Theme School at Ficquett; and Aidan Moon from Cousins Middle School also won the prestigious Broadcom Masters award in addition to their first place honors for their projects.

Newton County School System's students competed against students from Fayette, Henry, Griffin-Spalding, Butts, Pike, Lamar and Thomaston-Upson County schools in the region event.

"All of the students who participated in the Griffin RESA Regional Science & Engineering Fair ... are to be commended for their hard work," said Dr. Stephanie Gordy, executive director of Griffin RESA. "The quality of the projects presented was outstanding. ... The Newton County School System had an impressive showing in our regional fair. These results are reflective of the positive impact of their hard working science teachers."