On Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, fifth-grader, Avi Soin, competed in the Montgomery County Science Fair, which is for 5-12th graders and represents over 400 students from 24 schools. Avi received a perfect score and finished in first place and Best in Show. His superior ranking qualified him to districts in two weeks.

In addition to 1st place, the fair also gave additional awards, which are typically reserved for high schoolers. In fact, during pictures, Avi was the only non-high school student to win those awards. Avi won the Science Champion Award from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Naval Science Award from the Office of Naval Research. The Navy also gave him a medal and a letter from Rear Admiral David J. Hahn, the Chief of Naval Research. The awards from USAID and the NAVY were not given by grade, so 5th graders were competing with 12th graders. It is atypical for a 5th grader to win an award.

In total he won 4 awards, the most of any student in any grade at the event- including high schoolers. Congratulations to our budding scientist!