TL Photo/GAGE VOTA Local students who won at the Ohio State Science Fair in Columbus pose with the Belmont County Board of Commissioners. From left, front: Amos Miller, Halle Baum and Thomas Mullen. Second row: East Richland Christian School Principal Kari Yockey, Berea Miller and Jackson Parsons. Third row: Elizabeth Bolen, Hayden Weaver and Charles Gooch.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Local students who received awards at Ohio State Science Day in Columbus met with the Belmont County Board of Commissioners Wednesday to celebrate their achievements.
The eight local winners are all students at East Richland Christian School. Commissioner Jerry Echemann began the meeting by congratulating the winners on their accomplishments. He also asked a teacher to speak about what is happening with the projects at the school level. Newly appointed Principal Kari Yockey then addressed the commissioners.
“Last year I had the privilege of working with our fifth and sixth graders in science classes, and before that I taught seventh and eighth grade science classes for years. These kids work hard and I am very proud of their efforts,” Said Yockey. “This year we actually started earlier. We start in our second nine weeks and start the process of the scientific method.”
She added that the projects did not just focus on science, but covered the entire English and science curriculum.
“It’s just a big project and our parents are working with the children to understand the process,” she said.
She added that East Richland Christian School is fortunate to have such a strong presence at State Science Day and to have strong participation at the local level as well. Although East Richland Christian School is small, averaging 200 students from preschool through 12th grade, over 60 participated in the science fair at the local level.
To participate in State Science Day, students had to first participate in a local science fair, then a district science fair, and then the state science fair. To participate in State Science Day, students had to first receive a district best achievement award.
“There are several steps, and I am just really proud of our children who came today and were allowed to represent our school,” Said Yockey.
Echemann responded to Yockey by saying that his son, Spencer Echemann, a Martins Ferry councilman, serves as a judge at the district’s science fair. He also asked her if students are assigned projects or if they are allowed to choose the topic for their project.
“Yes, they are making it up and we are just trying to guide them.” she replied. “They come up with their own topics and projects that interest them.”
Commissioner JP Dutton added: “I’ve only been here for a few years, but it seems like this program has grown. Can you talk about how the program has evolved over the years?”
Yockey said much of the program’s growth can be attributed to Jane Powell, a teacher who recently retired from East Richland Christian School. She also thanked Principal April Woods.
“They both helped to further develop this program,” she said. “But for our students in fifth through eighth grades, it is a requirement.”
The board then called for the adoption of a resolution recognizing State Science Day.
“The Belmont County Board of Commissioners considers it a privilege to recognize the best and brightest minds of our county and encourages all citizens of Belmont County to join in congratulating Belmont County students for their achievements in participating in State Science Day 2024, which will be adopted on August 14, 2024,” says the resolution.
