Young scientists from Western Wayne performed experiments on a variety of subjects including water conservation, soil erosion, auditory and visual learning, and even the true size of a double-stuffed Oreo cookie for the Region 2 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition on Saturday, March 4, at Wilkes University.
Both Western Wayne High School and Middle School competed. Fourteen participated from the high school and six from the middle school.
The following students placed at the competition for the high school: Trina Barcarola, first for her work in behavioral science; Maya Black, second for her work in behavioral science; Paige Barillo, second for her work in behavioral science; Gianna DeBastiani, third for her work in behavioral science; Kirstin Metschulat, first for her work in behavioral science; Caitlin Falloon, second for her work in behavioral science; Mallory Jablon, first for her work in behavioral science; Noelle Orehek, first for her work in botany; Brianna Metschulat, second for her work in zoology; Jack Van Horn, third for his work in chemistry; Kathryn Mattern, second for her work in ecology; Darlene Black, first for her work in ecology; Vaeda Pontosky, second for her work in engineering; and Jillian Dudley, second for her work in mathematics.
The following middle school students, also, placed: Jamie Bryan, first for her work in behavioral science; Diala Hassan, second for her work in behavioral science; Caydence Faatz, first for her work in zoology; Jonatan Stanley, second for his work in chemistry; Haley Estus, third for her work in ecology; and Samantha Killian, second for her work in earth and space.
Of these high school and middle school students the following will present their research at the PJAS State Competition on May 14 through May 17 at Penn State Main Campus: Kirstin, Mallory, Noelle, Darlene, Jamie, and Caydence. Also, Jillian was awarded a fellowship to study at the Lacawac Sanctuary Field and Research Station this coming summer.
From left, high school participants: Noelle Orehek, Trina Barcarola, Jillian Dudley, Kirstin Metschulat, Mallory Jablon, and Darlene Black.