Big Ideas from CDSBEO Students at the 48th Annual United Counties Science Fair
Students from across the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario showcased their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills at the 48th annual United Counties Science Fair (UCSF), held on March 28, 2026, at St. Lawrence Secondary School in Cornwall.
The United Counties Science Fair is a long-standing regional event that brings together students from across Eastern Ontario to present scientific research and innovative ideas. Projects are judged by experts, with awards recognizing excellence in areas such as engineering, environmental science, health sciences, and innovation. Top projects also earn the opportunity to advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School
Grade 11 students Vensun Nguyen and Souhail Agouzoul earned a place at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton for their project, The Eco-Friendly Prosthetic System. Their work was also recognized as:
- OPG Top 6 Outstanding Research Project
- Professional Engineers Upper Canada Chapter – Best in Engineering
- Viewer’s Choice Award
Grade 8 student Ithaca Silva received multiple awards for her project Root Cycle: Bioplastic Alternatives including:
- Dr. Leo F. Kennedy Memorial Trophy
- Bowfin Environmental Consulting Communications Award
- Silver Award
- Dr. Khalid Salman Jasim Memorial Award
- St. Lawrence College Health Sciences Trophy
Other Holy Trinity participants included:
- Destiny Ferguson – Natural Carbon Capture
- Grace Vivaraies – Seed Germination in Various Size Jars
- Aurora Savoy & Madeleine Paquette – Will It Grow?
- Ava Prince & Aubree Butt – When Stress Attacks!
St. Peter Catholic School
Grade 6 student Denith Silva earned six awards for his project Workout Watts, which explored how treadmill energy can be captured and reused. His awards included:
- Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association Trophy
- Ontario Power Generation Inc. Trophy
- NAV Canada Trophy
- UCSF/ESCU Young Scientist Award
- Outstanding Research Awards Sponsored by OPG
- Dr. Khalid Salman Jasim Memorial Award
St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School
Grade 11 student Agatan Partheeban earned four awards for his project Bright Ideas for Dark Skies: Measuring and Reducing Light Pollution:
- Outstanding Research Award
- Best in Climate & Meteorology
- Pommier Award – Excellence in Science
- St. Lawrence College Entrance Scholarship
Across all participating CDSBEO schools, students demonstrated strong critical thinking, creativity, and a passion for discovery. From renewable energy solutions to environmental research and innovative design, their projects reflect the power of inquiry-based learning in our classrooms.
Congratulations to all students who participated in this year’s United Counties Science Fair.