MCJHS was well represented at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair held at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Four students qualified to present their project in the competition, and three students, Miranda Kennard, Ellie Couch, and Wyatt Rooney, traveled to Decatur to compete against over 900 other entries. Sarah Dougherty is their 8th-Grade Science Teacher.
Ellie Couch, daughter of Shamber Weiss, received a "SILVER" level rating from the Judges on her project testing how different mouthwash brands would affect the BAC mouth reading on a handheld breathalyzer. Ellie competed in the Product and Consumer Science Category.
Miranda Kennard, daughter of Robbie and Tracie Kennard, received a "GOLD" level rating from the Judges on her project, which tested the rate at which different types of eggshells would dissolve in a vinegar solution. Miranda competed in the Agriculture Category.
Wyatt Rooney, son of Ashley and Justin Swanson, received a "GOLD" level rating from the Judges on his project testing sheep eyesight. He was investigating whether sheep would have a preference for the color of the bucket with which they were fed. Wyatt was awarded a monetary prize for having the First-Place project in the newly established Agriculture Category, which was quite an honor.