Photo By Mark Abueg | Ocie Williams, supply technician for the 579th Engineer Detachment (FEST-M), judges...... read more read more
VICKSBURG, Miss. – Not an engineer or even a scientist by trade, Ocie Williams leaped at the chance to become a science fair judge to support students of the Vicksburg community.
Williams judged over 130 entries to support the St. Francis Xavier Elementary School Science Fair last Friday, Jan. 15.
Kindergarteners through sixth graders put him and five other Mississippi Valley Division members to the test in deciding whose project showed the most promise in the field of science.
Along with Williams, fellow 579th Engineer Detachment (Forward Engineer Support Team - Main) member, Billy Stewart, and Mississippi Valley Division employees Ann Bargains, Becky Brown, Don Cool, and James Gutshall participated as judges during the school’s science fair.
From the moment Williams stood inside the St. Aloysius gymnasium, he knew his day was going to be eventful. The room was filled with many ventures into science, including how to determine if a cat is a southpaw or right pawed; the difference between hot and cold soda fizz; and even proving how strong the sun’s light is and the effects it has on various objects it touches.
“Looking at all these projects, I see a lot of commitment and pride in what the students’ presented,” Williams said. “I see they took their time and that they didn’t just throw something together. In all the projects I’m judging, I also see the research process and the extra effort as far as gathering information, so that anyone can understand what they are trying to present.”
Williams understood what the kids were trying to convey through their projects. He also knew that he did not have to have a science degree to represent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“This is wonderful opportunity for the FEST-M and MVD to be a part of the community and make a difference,” said Williams, the FEST-M supply technician. “Even though I don’t have a scientific background, I’ve got a creative nature very much the same as these kids. Besides my judging criteria sheet, I was looking for originality. I wanted to know who had enough courage to think outside the box and do something different.”
Williams was given the opportunity to participate as a judge through the efforts of Sharron Harris, the science fair coordinator.
“I’m really glad the Corps of Engineers is involved,” she said.
The science fair is long process that usually starts months ahead explained Harris. The participants fill out information sheets and come up with a hypothesis all the way to a conclusion. Final drafts of the projects were due in December.
“By January, they bring back a finished sample for me to critique,” Harris said. “Once it’s critiqued, then they’re able to enter our student’s fair.”
Each student is given a certificate for participating. There are also individual awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and an honorable mention.
“No one leaves the fair without being given something for their hard work,” Harris said. “With all these projects, I feel and I see that our students are advancing in the area of science.”
Williams admits he never participated in a science fair while growing up.
“I was more a talent show and sports-type guy,” he said. “I really admire what the kids have done here today. I only wish I could have done something this cool when I was their age.”
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2010 07:50 |
| Story ID: | 59991 |
| Location: | VICKSBURG, MS, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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