The scientific studies of some Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) students have made winning strides.

Recently, on March 16, 16 RFH students participated in the 49th annual 2024 Jersey Shore Science Fair at Stockton University with a few earning honors and invites to move on to the next.

“Mrs. Kilar, also our STEM Club advisor, took the lead to organize and showcase some of our students’ best work and we are extremely proud of not only what they’ve been able to accomplish but in how far our STEM program has flourished over the last few years.”

Mr. Pennetti, Supervisor of RFH STEM

The fair serves middle to high school students from more than 40 schools from New Jersey’s coastal counties, Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, and Monmouth, and offers fourteen different categories and three levels for each category for participation and judging.

This year, RFH had a larger number of students participating in the science fair as it is the first year that RFH implemented a mandatory research project for all juniors enrolled in biology honors courses.

Those selected to enter the Science Fair were the stand-outs among those students. Mentored by the RFH Biology staff — teachers Michael Haughwout, Valeri Kilar, and Cheryl Laviola — the students experienced the arena of a larger science fair. 

After weeks of research, data analysis and preparations, and, finally, presentation at the fair, several honors were bestowed to participating RFHers. A third-place honor was awarded in the team projects category to Annabelle Costello and Chloe Dengler for their study of The Effect of the Environment on Fingerprint Development. Second place in Botany went to Ellery Donaldson for her study on How Positive and Negative Reinforcement Affects Chia Plant (Salvia Hispanica) Growth. 

The winning students were invited to submit their studies to the Delaware Valley Science Fair to present further findings. Three other groups received Honorable Mentions in their respective categories.

In addition to the groups invited to the prestigious Delaware Valley Science Fair, the students will also present at RFH’s very own science fair later this spring.

— Edited press release from RFH

Annabelle Costello (and her partner Chloe Dengler, not pictured) was awarded third place in the team projects category with their study of The Effect of the Environment on Fingerprint Development.

Ellery Donaldson wins second place in the Botany category with her study on How Positive and Negative Reinforcement Affects Chia Plant (Salvia hispanica) Growth.