Central High Students Showcase Science Prowess at Annual Fair

Hundreds of young researchers present projects on topics ranging from water filtration to beekeeping

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Approximately 170 students at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas participated in the school's annual science fair, presenting research projects across a variety of scientific disciplines including physics, astronomy, microbiology, and mathematical sciences. The event allowed students to showcase their independent research and problem-solving skills, with judges from local organizations providing feedback and guidance.

Why it matters

The science fair provides a valuable opportunity for high school students to apply scientific principles and methods to real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of STEM fields. It also helps prepare students for future academic and professional pursuits in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The details

Students presented a diverse array of projects, from testing natural water filtration materials to producing their own honey through beekeeping. One 10th grader, Delaney Davis, investigated the effectiveness of activated charcoal, silica sand, and gravel in removing pathogens from pond water, while another student, Tony Hayar, shared his experience setting up a beehive and harvesting honey. Judges from organizations like the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provided feedback and encouragement to the young researchers.

  • The annual Central High School science fair took place on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Delaney Davis

A 10th grade student who tested natural materials for their ability to filter pathogens from water.

Tony Hayar

A 10th grade student who set up a beehive and produced his own honey as a science fair project.

Sarita Poirrier

The senior communications specialist at the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, which has sponsored the Central High School science fair for years.

Chimezie Finian Nwadinigwe

A graduate student in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences who enjoyed seeing projects grounded in the fundamentals of chemistry.

Patrick Foley

A physics teacher at Central High School who noted that the science fair allows students to pursue their own passions, rather than just studying the work of other researchers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's really exciting to see the different projects that the kids come out with. Sometimes they have wastewater projects. It's always fun to see their ideas. Getting to talk to them and listen to them talk through their procedures and what they found; providing feedback is always a super exciting thing to do.”

— Sarita Poirrier, Senior Communications Specialist, Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (arkansasonline.com)

“If they can understand the principle of basic chemistry, it will become easier for them to progress into any field that has to do with chemistry.”

— Chimezie Finian Nwadinigwe, Graduate Student, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (arkansasonline.com)

“Last year, I did it because my teacher gave us bonus points for it. But after last year, when I won honorable mention, I wanted to participate this year -- willingly.”

— Delaney Davis (arkansasonline.com)

What’s next

The top projects from the Central High School science fair will advance to regional and state-level competitions, where students will have the opportunity to further showcase their research and compete for scholarships and other awards.

The takeaway

The Central High School science fair demonstrates the value of providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore their scientific interests and develop essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills. By nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers, events like this help prepare students for success in STEM fields and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.