The 68th Annual Orange County Science and Engineering Fair (OCSEF) celebrated its winners on Sunday, March 19 at Chapman University. After COVID-19 hit in 2020, this was the first time the award ceremony took place in person.
Starting from August of last year, students were invited to submit their STEM projects for OCSEF 2023. By the closing of the registration on February 1st, 2023, the organization received over 1300+ applications in 20 Board categories. 500+ participating students were judged virtually.
The winners of the 20 categories Board Awards received a medal, certificate and cash prize. Students also won 21 Special Award prizes (some of which also included cash rewards).
“Every student is a winner,” said Prasanthi Sathyaprakash, OCSEF President at the event. “We are so happy to contribute to all these young scientists and engineers with learning and implementing the scientific method and engineering design principles.”
Full list of winners of the 68th Annual OCSEF can be found here.
Apart from the students’ awards ceremony, OCSEF also honored educators who have been associated with the organization. Among them were Darleen Weisz, who was honored for her 60 years of service to OCSEF, Dr. Arnold Shugarman and Maureen Allen, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Elaine Schwartz, who was named Partner of the Year 2023, Dr. Elizabeth Cronin, who received the Volunteer of the Year award, Michele Shugarman, who was recognized as a Lifetime Enabler, Susan Biehl and Suryaprabha Prakash, who were honored as Enablers, and Gary Biehl, who was named Board Member of the Year.
Travis Garwick from Warner Middle School of Westminster School District in Westminster, CA was named Teacher of the Year, and Ananya Chakaraborty received the Student Volunteer of the Year honor.
OCSEF expressed gratitude towards parents, guardians, educators, and mentors for their contributions, and extended thanks to Chapman students, faculty, and staff for supporting STEM and making the fair possible. Additionally, they thanked the OCSEF team and countless volunteers who continue to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.