Lawrence County students competed in the largest science fair of its kind in the nation.

The Ohio Academy of Science hosted State Science Day at Ohio State University in Columbus on May 8. Lawrence County had 24 high school and middle school students representing the area.

Each student or team of students prepared a science project and presented it at the fair. The project is judged and awarded a score, with Superior being the highest. Awards and scholarships are also given.

According to the Ohio Academy of Science, the students are evaluated on scientific research and communication skills.

Sixth-grader Seth Miller of Rock Hill Middle School has been in four science competitions with a Superior rating each time. He spent about a month working on his Trebuchet, or catapult, project.

“I’d like to be an engineer or something of that sort,” said Miller. “I’m good at math.”

Miller also said he has considered going to the University of Kentucky when he graduates high school.

Christian Rudmann, an eight-grader who is in the engineering program at Rock Hill Middle, participated for the first time at the state level this year. His project was on the effects of glycerin on bubbles.

“I thought it sounded fun to do,” said Rudmann.

Rudmann, whose favorite subject is science, said he was excited to go to the state level. He was awarded an Excellent for his project.

Chesapeake High School freshman Anna Mayo won several awards as well as the Ohio Wesleyan University State Science Day Scholarship. This would award Mayo $15,000 in scholarship money should she choose to attend OWU.

Mayo said she isn’t sure where she will attend college.

“ I want to be a doctor,” said Mayo. “I want to be something that will make me want to go to work.”

Mayo also said she couldn’t have achieved this alone.

“My parents are good about being my supporters and my fans.”

Jonathan Brewster, a junior from Fairland High School, also won a scholarship award. He was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Shawnee State University for his study on extrasensory perception and probability.

“I love everything about it,” said Brewster about the State Science Day. “I love doing the projects and presenting them. It’s a unique experience.”

Brewster said he has been going to science fairs since he was in the fifth grade. He is considering nursing as a career and he said he is thinking of attending Marshall University when he graduates high school.

First-time science fair participant Monica Hodges said she enjoyed the experience overall. The sophomore from St. Joseph High School did her project on exercise affecting memory retention.

“I got a lot of good advice from the judges,” said Hodges.

She has plans on continuing her study for next year’s fair, as do most of the students. She also says going to the science fair will help prepare her for the future.

“Learning how to present can be useful in college,” she said. “I like the opportunity to get scholarships and be noticed by different colleges.”

Hodges said she is interested in studying pathology in college, but is undecided on a school.