22 CCSD Students Place At Elementary School State Science Fair

Press release from CCSD:

March 20, 2023

Twenty-two Cherokee County School District students placed at the elementary school State Science Fair!

Eight CCSD students placed first, four placed second, four placed third and six earned honorable mention at the annual Georgia College K-5 State Science Fair recently held at Georgia College & State University.

Bascomb ES fourth-grader Hudson Gillentine, in addition to earning first-place honors, was named the Best of Class winner for his grade level. His project advisor was technology lab teacher Jennifer Mendenhall. Two Clark Creek ES STEM Academy fourth-graders also earned top honors in addition to first-place awards: Rishabh Pandya won the Excellence in Mathematics Research award, and Pranav Vasishta won the Excellence in Geology Research award. Both students were advised on their projects by STEM teacher Karen Garland.

Twelve CCSD students also earned special $50 awards sponsored by Cobb EMC/Gas South. Six CCSD students earned special awards, which ranged from $25 to $50, from Cherokee County Water & Sewerage Authority (CCWSA). Cobb EMC/Gas South additionally sponsored the state fair registrations for all of CCSD’s participating students. Students also competed in special events during the fair and several earned additional honors.

“Congratulations to these impressive young scientists on their state honors,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower. “We’re so proud of you for your hard work to research, explore and learn more about science. Thank you to the dedicated teachers who guided students on their projects and to our community partners for sponsoring their participation in the event as well as prizes.”

The Cherokee County School Board and Dr. Hightower will recognize the state first-place winners at an upcoming school board meeting.

CCSD First-Place State Winners

Owen Ake and Zach Morgan, third grade, Woodstock ES; teacher Kirsten Kern

Jake Allard, fourth grade, Macedonia ES, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner and second-place in bridge-building event; teacher Georgia Knowlton

Hudson Gillentine, fourth grade, Bascomb ES, Best in Class for Fourth Grade and Cobb EMC/Gas South and CCWSA winner; teacher Jennifer Mendenhall

Rishabh Pandya, fourth grade, Clark Creek ES STEM Academy, Excellence in Mathematics Research, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner, second-place in paper table event; teacher Karen Garland

Thomas Robbins, fourth grade, Macedonia ES, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner and second-place in bridge-building event; teacher Georgia Knowlton

Kendall Tran, fifth grade, Hickory Flat ES, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner; teacher Karina Bailey

Pranav Vasishta, fourth grade, Clark Creek ES STEM Academy, Excellence in Geology Research and Cobb EMC/Gas South and CCWSA winner; teacher Karen Garland

CCSD Second-Place State Winners

Avery Lichucki and Zaine Reinhart, third grade, Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy; teacher Sterling Hope

Hadley Rodes, fifth grade, Avery ES; teacher Katherine Wallace

Reagan Thomas, third grade, Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy; teacher Sterling Hope

CCSD Third-Place State Winners

Emerson Moreno, fifth grade, Hickory Flat ES, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner; teacher Karina Bailey

Callan O'Leary, fourth grade, R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy; teacher Leo Pilla

Carter Salamone, third grade, Avery ES; teacher Katherine Wallace

Avery Ware, fourth-grade, Macedonia ES, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner and second-place in bridge-building event; teacher Georgia Knowlton

CCSD Honorable Mention State Winners

Graeme Coleman, fourth grade, Bascomb ES, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner; teacher Jennifer Mendenhall

Ananya Das, third grade, Clark Creek ES STEM Academy, Cobb EMC/Gas South and CCWSA winner; teacher Karen Garland

Hyde Lenzen, fifth grade, Knox ES STEM Academy, Cobb EMC/Gas South winner; teacher Stacy Sears

Roan Parameswaran, fourth grade, Woodstock ES Cobb EMC/Gas South and CCWSA winner; teacher Kirsten Kern

Annie White, fifth grade, Hickory Flat ES, CCWSA winner; teacher Karina Bailey

Mason Williams, third grade, Woodstock ES; teacher Kirsten Kern

CCSD Sponsor Award Winner

Ajaiyah Harris, third grade, Knox ES STEM Academy, CCWSA winner; teacher Stacy Sears

This press release was produced by CCSD. The views expressed here are the author's own.