Anyone who thinks today’s youth isn’t interested in academic achievements need look no further than the students right here in Lawrence County.

In the past week or so, hundreds of students throughout the county have participated in science fairs, robotics competitions, mock trial competitions and a few young students even took the helm at Dawson-Bryant Elementary, acting as principal, gym teacher and art teacher.

Thirty-two students representing nearly every school district in the county got superior ratings on their science fair projects, allowing them to go on to the district fair later this month.

St. Joseph High School took top honors at the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education 33rd Annual Ohio Mock Trial District Competition and will head to the state competition in March; and five teams from Ironton, Chesapeake and Rock Hill high schools advanced to the state-level robotics championship.

We are very excited and proud that the youngest members of the community are taking an active role in extracurricular school projects to broaden their horizons.

Kudos to all the students who competed and to the parents and advisers who help makes it possible for students to participate.