Students present projects exhibiting research, data and creativity at districtwide STEM Fair

Anoka-Hennepin has a rich history of science fairs dating back to the late 1960s, and traditionally hosts a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Fair as an opportunity for students at all grade levels to present findings on research projects and experimentation they’ve completed to the general public. This year’s districtwide STEM Fair was coordinated by Champlin Park High School teacher Kevin Molohon, who has organized the event annually since 1997.

The annual district event was held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Blaine High School, featuring over 240 projects from a handful of elementary school students that participated along with many enthusiastic middle and high school students who opted to immerse themselves in an advanced opportunity to study Science and STEM topics of their choice this school year. View photos from the event.

The STEM Fair provides students an experience to improve their critical thinking, public speaking and research skills. Awards were presented to ten students in five different categories. 

Evidence in Action: Celebrating projects grounded in solid data and shared through clear, confident communication.

• Daniel Gbati, grade 9 - Anoka High School - STEAM program
• Julian Miller, grade 5 - Johnsville Elementary School
• Mason Grande, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Ren Vang, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Bethel Senay, grade 10 - Blaine High School CEMS
• Kruz Johnson, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Carter Borchardt, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Noah Tatkenhorst, grade 9 - Anoka High School - STEAM program
• Jordyn Obright, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Jacob Ball, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School

Design and Discovery: Recognizing projects that combine thoughtful design and strong communication.

• Chalida Khambounmy, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Nanafi Ahavit, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Bengail Seeka, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Roshna Hoti, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Ren Vang, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Brynlee Close, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Autumn Thalin, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Michelle Wongbi, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Elliot Niven, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Juniper Santiago, grade 9 - Blaine High School

Visionary Thinker: Honoring outstanding innovation and original thinking in designing and exploring STEM solutions.

• Ramona Madsen, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Kensue Khang, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Max Shaughnessy, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Amelia Xiong, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Addison Carnes, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Evie Sebesta, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Alison Moody, grade 9 - Blaine High School
• Oscar Bennett, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School
• Maryam Sajjad, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Vanessa Pourzandva, grade 9 - Anoka High School - STEAM program

Presentation Power: Honoring excellence in creativity, design and communication.

• Jheel Sharma, grade 9 - Blaine High School
• Nolan Schueller, grade 9 - Anoka High School - STEAM program
• Adelyn Lind, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School
• Debie Terfassa, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Phoebe Vang, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School
• Keyana Zach, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Kruz Johnson, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Zoey Hommerding, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Oscar Bennett, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School
• Claire Anderson, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School

Out of the Box: Recognizing exceptional creativity and original thinking in approaching STEM challenges with insight and innovation.

• Roshana Hoti, grade 10 - Blaine High School - CEMS program
• Brooklyn Hop, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Phoebe Vang, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School
• Aidan Orcutt, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School
• Caleb Mehr, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School
• Claire Anderson, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Keyana Zach, grade 6 - Oak View Middle School
• Amira Farah, grade 9 - Blaine High School
• Bengail Seeka, grade 9 - Anoka High School
• Devin Thomson, grade 6 - Jackson Middle School