March 18, 2022
By: Bill Conger
Mix in some Music, Reading, and Art with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and you have a concoction of academic entertainment. Science disciplines and the liberal arts joined forces for S.T.R.E.A.M. Fair at Camp Read S’More on March 3 as more than 400 students, families, faculty, and staff attended at DeKalb West School. Going on a book hike, making slime, a search for Legos, and Minute-to-Win-It games were all part of the fun.
“The pace of the night was great,” says Librarian Amanda Mullinax, who coordinated the night’s activities. “I saw several pinch pots as well as books, buttons, and bookmarks,” Mullinax said. “I heard about instruments and experiments as well as the question “Do I have to complete this in a minute?” randomly throughout the night.”
This year’s fair took at twist on past years when literacy was the primary focus.
“By bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics together with Reading, we were able to expand our ideas and take a different direction with our activities and sessions,” says Mullinax. “The experiments and makerspaces were a hit! Since we haven’t had many opportunities over the last few years for events such as this, Full STEAM Ahead at Camp Read S’More allowed us to be together as a DWS school family. It also provided an opportunity for the students and families to enjoy learning together.”
DWS Junior Beta students and high school volunteers gave of their time to pull off the large scale endeavor. Lisa Cripps and Jennifer Matthews with DeKalb Prevention Coalition, Leigh Fuson with DeKalb County 4-H, DTC, Ria Baker, and Mary Ann Puckett contribute their time, talents, and resources. DWS staff and Central Office employees rolled up their sleeves to work the project.
“I know sometimes my name is associated with this night, but it would not be possible if the teachers and staff weren’t willing” Mullinax said. “They go above and beyond to make this night what it is. I could plan and plan and plan, but this night would not happen without them, without their creativity, and without their love for this school and our students.”
Computer teacher Lori Pryor coordinated the STREAM Fair projects that were on display that night. Judges chose the following students as winners in their respective categories.
PreK-1st Literature:
1st Marley Pyburn
2nd Auna Starnes
3rd Ripley Barnes
PreK-1st Science:
1st Drew Salvilla
2nd Claire Cripps
3rd Josee Cripps
Family Science:
1st Kaden Mullinax and Karson Mullinax
2nd, 3rd, 4th Literature
1st Mollie Reynolds
2nd Cash Hancock
3rd Carson Maynard
Honorable Mention Jackson Dunnaway
2nd, 3rd, 4th Science
1st Levi Reynolds
2nd Christian Cripps
3rd Bryce Harvey
Honorable Mention Billy Clark, Cameron Pursell, Emma Thomason , Aiden Garza, Hailey Brown and Cainnan Humphrey
2nd, 3rd, 4th Social Studies
1st Grady Thomason
2nd Jaxson Keenan
3rd Charley Prichard
Honorable Mention Averie Winchester , Zane Griffith, Lillian Dillard
5th, 6th, 7th Literature
1st Camille Barton
2nd Autumn Crook
3rd Porter Hancock
Honorable Mention Ava Melton, Lucy Moore, Bella Franz
5th, 6th, 7th Social Studies
1st William Johnson
2nd Michael Justice
3rd Fiona Street
Honorable Mention Pixie Willingham, Cameron Salas, Cash Dotson, Ellie Ray
5th, 6th, 7th, Science
1st Katie Beth Swearinger
2nd Sophie Desimone
8th Author Study
1st Danica Collier
2nd Ethan Reynolds
3rd Chaylea Lunsford
3rd Cameron Stanley