HAHIRA — Hahira Middle School held its first school science fair Thursday afternoon. Approximately 150 students participated in the event. 

“Students have been working on their science fair projects since January and are excited to show off their hard work,” said earth science teacher Laila Taylor. 

Seven judges from the community were invited to attend including professors from Valdosta State University, a member of the South Georgia Medical Center staff, an architect and a CEO. 

Hahira Middle School is a professional development school, which means that VSU college students take a class on campus once a week and work closely with the teachers and students at HMS. 

The VSU interns did the first rounds of judging, awarding the top 30 honorable mention awards. 

The projects were spread among all branches of science that interested students. The event was open to all sixth grade students for the first time – in the past the fair was held only for advanced students. 

The overall winner was Kaden Cowart and was titled, “What effects do pesticides have on earthworms?” Other topics presented include the effect of soda on plants, an egg drop and the amount of iron found in breakfast cereals. 

Michael Praats is a reporter at the Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229) 244-3400 ext. 1257.