The
event included 678 students' science fair projects judged by approximately 150
professionals, as well as hands-on, educational exhibits and demonstrations
hosted by area organizations and coordinated by Bluegrass PRIDE.
A
total of 144 student projects received awards. Six projects received special
recognition from Kentucky American Water for demonstrating achievement in water
science projects, and three students received the Urban Environmental Award,
which recognizes outstanding projects related to environmental stewardship.
Kentucky
American Water President Cheryl Norton and Fayette County Public Schools
Superintendent Tom Shelton were joined by Scott Shapiro of Mayor Jim Gray's
office in the award presentations.
Judges
evaluated the student projects according to the following categories: animal
sciences, behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, cellular and molecular
biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary science, engineering,
energy and transportation, environmental sciences, medicine and health sciences,
microbiology, physics and astronomy and plant sciences.
Kentucky
American Water initiated the science fair for junior high school students in
1985 as part of the company's centennial celebration. The next year, the company
joined with Fayette County Public Schools in coordinating the event. The fair
has been expanded twice: first in 1989 to include elementary school science
projects, and again in 1991 to include high school projects.
During
her remarks, Norton, who started her career nearly 25 years ago working in
American Water's national laboratory specializing in drinking water research,
congratulated students on their achievements and, reflecting on the event's 2013
engineering theme, encouraged them to explore careers in engineering.
She
expressed how important engineering is to the water industry and for addressing
water infrastructure issues across the country. She also thanked parents and
teachers for their commitment to science, math and technology education, and
extended her appreciation to Fayette County Public Schools for the tremendous
effort that staff demonstrates each year in coordinating a first-class
event.
Students
who received awards at today's competition advance to the Central Kentucky
Regional Science and Engineering Fair to be held at the University of Kentucky
on Saturday, March 2. Kentucky American Water also serves as a leading sponsor
for that event.
Kentucky
American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest
investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable
water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people. Founded
in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater
utility company.
With
headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 7,000
dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related
services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of
Canada.
More
information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com
Contact:
Susan
Lancho
Tel:
859.268.6332
Mobile:
859.537.0736
Email:
Susan.lancho@amwater.com
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