Lamar Community College’s Wellness Center was packed with area students and their projects for the annual Southeast Colorado Science Fair in February.  The science fair featured 123 projects from the elementary through high school levels and included students from Alta Vista, Campo, Cheyenne Wells, Eads, Holly, Lamar, Springfield, Walsh, and Wiley. 

Twenty of the junior high and high school projects submitted were chosen to continue to the state science fair in April held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Projects vary in their scientific interest but are all judged based on the depth of scientific method presented. A monetary prize is awarded to first, second, and third places within each category and an overall Grand and Reserve Champion are chosen from each of the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Additional awards were presented by Arkansas Valley Dental Association, Baca County Coroner’s Office, Colorado Chapter of Soil and Water Conservation, Inez Hickey Crill Family, and the Lamar Community College Foundation.

Payson Coen of Alta Vista Charter School won the Grand Champion elementary project, while Reserve Champion, Rayne Thomas represented Springfield Elementary. In the junior high category, Walsh’s Justin Wright took Grand Champion with Springfield’s Jami Quick taking Reserve Champion. At the high school level, Lamar High School’s Chase Cromwell was awarded Grand Champion while COVA online student Emmalie Byrne received Reserve Champion.

Lamar Community College wishes success to all students moving on to the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair and thanks the efforts of all participants, sponsors, and supporters of the Southeast Regional Science Fair.

Photo (left to right): The Reserve and Grand Champion award winners include Rayne Thomas (Springfield), Payson Coen (Alta Vista), Jami Quick (Springfield), Justin Write (Walsh), Emmalie Byrne (COVA), and Chase Cromwell (Lamar). Courtesy Lamar Community College.