Taylor students win at the Southwest Regional Science Fair | the highest award public and private schools

Taylor High School students recently received top marks at the Southwest Regional Science Fair, hosted by Southern Arkansas University.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, the students were unable to personally present their projects to the judges this year. The projects were evaluated by a jury and the results announced virtually.

The SAU professor and director of the SAU STEM center, Dr. Scott White, and Miss SAU Carson Beeching recently traveled to local participating schools to provide scholarships and awards to students.

Jack Hoyle, a junior at Taylor High School, was the overall winner of the Science Fair. His project examined the use of converting agricultural waste into biofuels to power small gas engines. It took first place in the Senior Engineering category and received an award from the Albermarle Foundation. He also received the Soybean Challenge Award and the Columbia County Conservation District Award.

Hoyle received a $ 5,100 scholarship to the SAU as well as cash prizes.

Grace McLelland, a senior at Taylor High School, was named third overall at the Science Fair and took first place in the Senior Agriculture / Earth / Environmental Science category. She examined the impact of local businesses on water quality. She received the Ves Childs Award and the runner-up Columbia County Conservation District Award.

McClelland has received $ 2,500 scholarships to SAU, which she will attend this fall, with a focus on pre-med, to later attend dental school.