Forsyth County Students Shine at Georgia State K–5 Science Fair

Standout performances from young innovators underscore district's STEM strength

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:54pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic science fair object such as a microscope or beaker repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the energy and innovation of the Georgia College State K–5 Science Fair.The Georgia College State K–5 Science Fair celebrates the creativity and curiosity of young STEM innovators across the state.Milledgeville Today

Students from Forsyth County Schools delivered an outstanding performance at the 9th Annual Georgia College State K–5 Science and Engineering Fair, earning some of the competition's highest honors and reinforcing the district's growing strength in STEM education. The fair saw record participation this year, with 344 registered projects and 452 students from 101 schools across Georgia.

Why it matters

The Georgia College State K–5 Science and Engineering Fair has become a statewide platform for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of scientific discovery among young learners. Forsyth County's strong showing at the event highlights the district's commitment to academic excellence and innovation in STEM fields, reinforcing its position as a leader in Georgia's growing science education landscape.

The details

Leading the state was Kathryn Tree of New Hope Elementary (Forsyth County), who won the Overall Grand Prize (Best of Show) for her project 'O2 to be or O not 2 to be: How Temperature Changes Dissolved Oxygen,' while also earning recognition in the Grand Top 10% Category Awards. Aarya Dogra Sudan of Whitlow Elementary (Forsyth County) earned the Best of Category Award in Physics and Engineering (Elementary Division) along with a spot in the Top 10% Grand Category Awards. Mashburn Elementary (Forsyth County) also made a strong mark, with Shanaya Baheti and Gauravi Sangeetha Thilak earning Best of Class – 4th Grade, and Andrew Koepp securing Best of Health Sciences – Elementary Division, all of whom were also recognized in the Grand Top 10% Category Awards.

  • The 9th Annual Georgia College State K–5 Science and Engineering Fair was held on March 12th, 2026.
  • The fair has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception in 2018, steadily expanding into a statewide platform for young learners.

The players

Kathryn Tree

A student at New Hope Elementary (Forsyth County) who won the Overall Grand Prize (Best of Show) for her project 'O2 to be or O not 2 to be: How Temperature Changes Dissolved Oxygen,' and also earned recognition in the Grand Top 10% Category Awards.

Aarya Dogra Sudan

A student at Whitlow Elementary (Forsyth County) who earned the Best of Category Award in Physics and Engineering (Elementary Division) along with a spot in the Top 10% Grand Category Awards.

Shanaya Baheti

A student at Mashburn Elementary (Forsyth County) who earned the Best of Class – 4th Grade award, and was also recognized in the Grand Top 10% Category Awards.

Gauravi Sangeetha Thilak

A student at Mashburn Elementary (Forsyth County) who earned the Best of Class – 4th Grade award, and was also recognized in the Grand Top 10% Category Awards.

Andrew Koepp

A student at Mashburn Elementary (Forsyth County) who won the Best of Health Sciences – Elementary Division award, and was also recognized in the Grand Top 10% Category Awards.

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What they’re saying

“The objective of the Georgia College State K–5 Science and Engineering Fair is to foster curiosity, creativity, and a love of scientific discovery among young learners.”

— Dr. Catrena Lisse, Director of the Science Education Center at Georgia College & State University

“The best projects are those where students investigate a question that truly matters to them and can explain what they learned in their own words.”

— Dr. Catrena Lisse, Director of the Science Education Center at Georgia College & State University

“Believe in your ability to make a difference. Your ideas, curiosity, and creativity have the power to solve real problems and improve the world around you.”

— Dr. Catrena Lisse, Director of the Science Education Center at Georgia College & State University

The takeaway

The standout performances of Forsyth County students at the Georgia College State K–5 Science and Engineering Fair underscore the district's commitment to STEM education and its position as a leader in nurturing young innovators. The fair's growth into a statewide platform for scientific exploration and discovery among elementary students reflects the increasing enthusiasm for hands-on learning and problem-solving in the region.