Plainfield’s first ever science fair was held on Jan. 26 in North’s cafeteria.  Senior Nick Lowe turned a simple idea into a district-wide event.

“I felt the need to start one because I thought that would be a super cool way for other people to share the things they’ve made and encourage the spread of science and engineering, with the addition of some good competition,” Lowe said.

The fair consisted of five teams from North and Plainfield South.  The participants were excited to have the opportunity to show off their creations and have a chance to compete with them.

“[Everyone showed] their creativity and intelligence through their projects,” junior Michael Schmauderer said.

An awards ceremony capped off the event before it officially ended at noon. Medals were awarded to the teams that placed first, second and third.

“Mr. Draper [used] school funds to support the fair by buying the medals,” Lowe said. “Additionally, the Gummerson family volunteered to make a trophy [which] will be passed around every year to the school that wins the fair.”

Senior Ryan Walczak and Schmauderer as well as senior Jack Anderson won first place with their spider robot and a winning score of 328/360. South took home the top school trophy.

“It was an extremely cool experience to see all of our hard work being recognized as the best the judges saw,” Anderson said. “We worked really hard for this and it was awesome to see it pay off.”

The participants’ entry fees were donated to St. Jude.

“Nick Lowe did an amazing job organizing the entire event,” science division chair Ginger Brest said.