The GHCDS STEM Fair once again showcased the incredible curiosity, creativity, and innovation of our students across all divisions. With projects spanning engineering, environmental science, psychology, technology, and beyond, our Panthers demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also the critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application that define a GHCDS education.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Jane Coles, whose endless hours of dedication, organization, and passion made this event possible. We are equally grateful to our faculty, who guide, mentor, and support students through the research and design process, helping them bring their ideas to life. This kind of experiential learning is only possible through their commitment.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our judges from the wider scientific and professional community, whose expertise and thoughtful feedback elevated the experience for our students:
Susan Beach, Lakayla Canegata, Dr. Bernard Castillo, Olasee Davis, Kareem Gore, Jadalyn Lawrence, Sophia Lawrence-Brown, Monty Mrotz, Dr. Michelle Peterson, Sabrina Pickett, Meridith Prince, Kynoch Reale, Chris Smith, Sabrina Sorace, Wess Tester, Henry Tonnemacher, Wanda Vialet, Olivia Walton, Aaron Watson, Ashley Whiteside, DVM, Brian Williams, Dr. Dorit Zuk, Dr. Wayne Ethridge, Lacy Geddy, Mike Funk, David Walworth, and Dr. Verleen McSween.
Upper School Winners
First Place: Tristan Samuel
Seeing in 3D with One Eye: Geometric Structural Awareness from Monocular Visual SLAM for Low-Cost Robotic Navigation
Second Place: Ella Evora & Maddie Donnally
Improving Mental Health on the Moon: Adaptive Lunar Habitat for Crew Wellness (NASA HUNCH Project)
Third Place: Avery Adams
Spray 'N Pray
Honorable Mentions:
Leo Keularts • Ella Chewning • Chaney Smith
Middle School Winners
First Place: Liam Daley – Floating on Magnetic Forces
Second Place: MacKenzie Lawrence – Leading the Witness
Third Place: Nora Kammerzelt – Disorganization vs. Concentration
Honorable Mentions:
Hudson Mirocha • Kenny Nguyen
Special Awards & Recognition
Our students were recognized by local, regional, and national organizations for excellence across disciplines:
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Association of VI Psychologists Award: Nick Crikelair (US), MacKenzie Lawrence & Jacob Daley (MS)
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Aesthetic Presentation Awards: Saida Banwaree, Annabelle Plourde, Fiona Gilbert, Zaid Yusuf; Isla Watson, Isabelle Bohlke, Hudson Mirocha
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Change Maker Award (RePlastic Recycle): Aiden Stewart
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St. Croix Environmental Association Award: Chaney Smith
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Tropitech Solutions Engineering Award: Chaney Smith
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American Psychological Association: Nick Crikelair
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Association for Women Geoscientists: Kyanna Cherubin
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Citadel Innovation Prize: Jacob Daley (MS), Nicolas Hutchins (US)
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Lemelson Early Inventor Prize: Hudson Mirocha
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NASA Earth System Science Award: Chaney Smith
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NOAA Award: Neveah Ferrol
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Ricoh Sustainable Development Award: Eric Sommer, Teague Gleason, Cuyler Roberts
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U.S. Metric Association Award: Amir Yusuf
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U.S. Air Force Awards: Avery Adams, Ella Evora, Maddie Donnally, Tristan Samuel
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Stockholm Junior Water Prize Nominees: Neveah Ferrol, Makeda Hardcastle, William Simon & Weston Wagner, Sawyer Holley
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Yale Science & Engineering Association Award: Tristan Samuel
Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge
1st Liam Daley | 2nd MacKenzie Lawrence | 3rd Nora Kammerzelt | 4th Hudson Mirocha | 5th Kenny Nguyen
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
GHCDS is proud to announce that Tristan Samuel, Ella Evora, and Maddie Donnally will represent our school at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona—one of the most prestigious global science competitions, bringing together the top young scientists in the world.
A Celebration of Learning
The GHCDS STEM Fair is more than a competition—it is a celebration of curiosity, perseverance, and innovation. It reflects our commitment to the Cambridge curriculum, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore solutions, and engage deeply with the world around them.
We are incredibly proud of every student who participated. Your ideas, your effort, and your courage to explore and create are what make GHCDS such a special place to learn.
Panther Pride in Action!
