FAIRMONT, W.Va — Upshur County students delivered standout performances at the regional science fair in Fairmont this week, with two young scientists earning first-place honors and advancing to the West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair in Charleston on March 9.
Liezl Wimmer of Rock Cave Elementary School (RCES) and Ben McCune of Buckhannon‑Upshur Middle School (BUMS) each took top honors in the Physics and Astronomy category. Wimmer won Division I with her project What Materials Block Radio Frequencies?, a study inspired by her experience as a licensed HAM radio operator. McCune earned first place in Division II for Wheee! How Much Track to Loop the Loop, a project built on an extensive series of trials using a model track system.
Both students were awarded $500 scholarships to Fairmont State University and will represent the region at the state fair next month.
Additional Upshur County Standouts
Also competing were Lucy and Winnie Phillips from Union Elementary School (UES) and Madilyn Lipscomb from Buckhannon Academy Elementary School (BAES), each bringing home second‑place finishes in their respective categories.
The Phillips sisters presented Wear Your Sun‑Day Best in Division I Medical Science, using UV‑sensitive beads to test the effectiveness of various sunscreens. Their project drew special praise from Fairmont State University’s provost — a chemistry professor — who highlighted their creative use of a toy to explore a topic personally meaningful to them.
Madilyn Lipscomb’s Division I Chemistry project, Does Brand Matter?, examined whether cookie brand influences cookie thickness. Her display attracted significant attention during the public viewing session, with many visitors stopping to discuss her findings.
Recognition for Behavioral Science Project
Although unable to attend the fair in person, Sylvia Casto (BAES) qualified for competition in Division I Behavioral and Social Sciences with her project No Smell, No Flavor?. Her study explored multisensory perception and included volunteer trials. Upshur County officials expressed pride in her achievement and selection for the event.
Looking Ahead
With two first-place winners advancing to Charleston and several others earning high marks, Upshur County Schools celebrated a strong overall showing at this year’s regional fair.
