Fredonia Schools host successful Science Fair and STEM Night

Fredonia schools came alive with cu­riosity and excite­ment on the evening of February 9, 2026, as students, families and community mem­bers gathered for the annual Science Fair and STEM Night. The event showcased student innovation, hands-on learning and strong community in­volvement across all grade levels.

Photos courtesy of FMUSD.

The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated Egg Drop Challenge, now in its second year. Students and their families were invited to design and build their own inven­tions to protect a raw egg from a dramatic fall. Last year’s eggs were dropped from a 40-foot fire truck ladder, but this year raised the stakes even higher with a 55-foot forestry bucket truck.

The egg drop took place in front of the school building, where spectators gathered to watch the thrill­ing challenge unfold. At exactly 5:30 p.m., participants finalized their creations while families and commu­nity members filled the area in eager an­ticipation. By 6 p.m., the official drop began. One by one, carefully engineered contrap­tions plunged from the bucket truck toward the ground as the crowd cheered and held their breath.

This year’s egg drop was made possible through the gener­ous support of Oran Stoval of “Out On A Limb,” who provided the forestry bucket truck and assisted with the drops. The school extends its sin­cere gratitude for his time, expertise and willingness to help create a memorable and safe experience for students and families.

Out of 29 entries, 12 eggs survived the 55-foot fall and were declared winners. Suc­cessful participants in­cluded Candice Ashley, Serena Bunting, Hazel Webster, Ezra Cram, Kyla Cluff, Trey Cluff, Sierra Cluff, Santania Lomahquahu, Zack Wilmarth, Kennedy Bistline, Tyce Mar­shall and Leah John­son.

Following the egg drop, attendees moved indoors to view the impressive display of student science fair projects, which had been pre-judged ear­lier that day. Projects demonstrated creativ­ity, scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills across elemen­tary, middle and high school levels.

Elementary School Winners Grand Prize: Josiah Chacon, First place: Leah Johnson, Second place: Nata­lie Ashley, Third place: Kaison Bistline, Fourth place: Aiden Begay, Fifth place: Stephen Langston.

Middle School Winners: Grand Prize: Glory Rogers, First place: Laynee Grover, Second place: Tren Allen and Aiyavee Shearer, Third place: McK­enna Bistline, Fourth place: Tia Lee and Krissy Burke, Fifth place: Candice Ashley and Emberlyn Wilmarth.

High School Win­ners: Grand Prize: Ver­ginia Black, First place: Isabella Black, Second place : Carrson Cluff, Third place: Taelynn Henderson, Fourth place: Omree Meng, Fifth place: Danni Waters and Anakah Delaney (tie).

In addition to the competition, families enjoyed a table of free books where students could select titles to take home, promot­ing literacy alongside scientific exploration.

STEM activities were held simultane­ously in high school classrooms, giving par­ents and community members an oppor­tunity to explore the campus and see where students learn each day. Activity stations featured rock min­ing, puzzle challenges and robotics, allowing participants to engage in hands-on experi­ences that highlighted science, technology, engineering and math­ematics in action.

Fredonia’s Science Fair and STEM Night proved to be both edu­cational and entertain­ing - a celebration of innovation, persever­ance and community spirit. Events like this continue to inspire stu­dents to think critical­ly, explore new ideas and develop a lifelong love for learning.