Once a year for the past 51 years, the University of Georgia has served as the "fairgrounds" for a science fair in which students exhibit their knowledge in a kind of scientific Olympics.
After surviving the qualifying rounds held at schools and local and regional/district science fairs, more than 600 projects vie for 180 sponsored awards at The Georgia Science and Engineering Fair.
For many years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, has been a proud sponsor of four awards to recognize students with exceptional projects in the fields of environmental science and zoology.
Through the years, three Service employees, Drs. Frank Bowers, Richard Coon, and Jim Brown, have served as judges.
"It's an all-day event to judge and interview the middle-and high-school youngsters, but judges consider themselves the real winners," said Bowers. "These 12-18 year olds are truly interested and involved in science. The kids are a breath of fresh air with their enthusiasm and energy. I always look forward to dealing with youngsters committed to, and showing, diligent efforts and pride in their projects."
"I agree completely with Dr. Bowers and always say yes to judging this event," said Brown. "Since my son was a past competitor, I know first-hand the many hours of hard work which are put into each project and how much it means to them to participate."
The following are 1999 Winners of the Service awards, presented April 10, 1999, at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair:
Amelia Anne Marie Beaver, 1st. Place Junior Division, Zoology
Project: The Uptake of Underwater Pollutants by Bivalvia Elliptio Aquillis,
School: Lowndes Middle School, Valdosta, Georgia
John Thomas Kowalchuk, 1st Place Junior Division, Environmental Sciences
Project: Does Industry Have an Impact on Local Marshes?
School: Glynn Middle School, Brunswick, Georgia
Rhett Nicholson Willis, 1st Place Senior Division, Zoology.
Project: Does Water Temperature Effect Hermit Crab Habitat?
School: The Savannah Country Day School, Savannah, Georgia
Whitaker Lee Dawson, 1st Place, Senior Division, Environmental Sciences.
Project: The Effects of Silviculture on the Endangered Species Hairy Rattlew.
School: Glynn Academy, Brunswick, Georgia
