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Warsaw, NC - Duplin County Schools proudly hosted the 2025–26 District STEAMA Fair, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of students across the county. This year, 93 students presented 61 projects, each reflecting the district’s commitment to integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and agriculture into authentic, hands-on learning experiences.

“The STEAMA Fair is a powerful example of what happens when students are encouraged to explore their interests through meaningful, real-world work,” said Mrs. Nicole Murray, Chief Officer for STEAMA Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development. “Our students have gone above and beyond, and we are incredibly proud of the excellence they have demonstrated.”

Projects were evaluated by educators from across the district who noted the high caliber of student work. Awards were presented for Projects of Merit (Bronze), Distinction (Silver), and Excellence (Gold), with Project of Excellence recipients earning the opportunity to advance to the Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UNCW in February 2026.

Duplin County Schools extends its appreciation to the students, educators, families, and judges whose support and dedication made the STEAMA Fair a success.

2025-26 DCS STEAMA Fair Winners

Elementary Division

Projects of Merit

• Easton Bell - NDE - “What are you swinging?”
• Arianna Davis and Skylar Fleet - BES - “Eggs-Periment”
• Zahara Robinson - WARE - “Ohm Sweet Ohm”

Projects of Distinction

• Killian Kennedy - KES - “Static Electricity: How temperature and humidity affect static electricity.”
• Kairi Sumner - KES - “Growing Plants on Mars”

Projects of Excellence

• Liam Whitney - WALE - “Does Lanolin Make Wool Water-Repellant?”
• Stihl Bradshaw - NDE - “Ready, Set, React!”
• Andrew Albertson - NDE - “Which Rubber Band Powered Boat goes Farther?”

 

Middle Grades Division

Projects of Merit

• Justin Yates - BES - “Funky Flute”
• Luis Acosta - WARE - “Will It Sink?”

Projects of Distinction

• Shira Jiang and Ailin Romano Posadas - WARE - “Friction vs. Speed”
• Mia Campos and Hailey Bustillo Ocampo - RHM - “Growing to the Beat”

Projects of Excellence

• Leah Hunt and Lyric Smith - BES - “How Do Skittles Dissolve in Different Liquids?”
• Ruth Paez and Sarai Ortiz Osorio - WARE - “Water Quality”
• Lina Kimes - NDE - “Oh! Say Can You See the Sound 2.0”

 

High School Engineering Division

Projects of Merit

• David Loredo Vasquez and Chatelyn Diaz Barrera - WRH - “Turtle Shield”
• Chloe Turner and Chelsea Ruiz Rivera - WRH - “Rearranging the Beehive”

Projects of Distinction

• Rodrigo Olvios Gutierrez - NDJS - “Investigating the Effect of Blade Number on Wind Energy Output”
• Madeline Swinson and Brooklyn Bryan - EDHS - “Ergonomic Pill Bottle vs. Childproof”

Projects of Excellence

• John Guillen Mendoza - DECHS - “ANTI-FLOOD”
• Christopher Byron and Benjamin Byron - EDHS - “Cool Under Control”

High School Science Division

Project of Merit

• Lus Ramirez and Marilyn Vasquez Mariegos - DECHS - “The Effects of Acidity on Marine Shells”

Project of Distinction

• Mackenzie Pate - DECHS - “Plant Power: Revisiting Herbal Antimicrobials”

Projects of Excellence

• Madeline Kimes and Santiago Kimes - NDJS - “How Does Artificial Intelligence Affect Learning? A Crossover Study”
• Arden Kildow - EDHS - “Toasty Toes”