The Prince William County Utilities Authority recently honored the achievements of 11 middle and high school students from Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park for their exceptional entries in the 2024 Prince William-Manassas Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
In partnership with Prince William County Schools, the Utilities Authority annually reviews water and wastewater-related entries at the Science and Engineering Fair, recognizing outstanding projects with Utilities Authority Organizational Awards. During the May 9 Service Authority Board of Directors meeting, this year’s student winners received cash prizes and commendations.
Lily Lu, a student at Ronald Reagan Middle School, secured first place in the intermediate division with her project titled “The Effect of Different Types of Bivalve Shell Filtration on Stream Water Quality.” Her research investigated the effectiveness of bivalve shell filtration, with a specific focus on oysters, clams and mussels, in improving water quality in streams.
In the Senior Division, Dylan Borek, Josh Rizer and Izidor Yatsevich of The Governor’s School at Innovation Park won first place with their project examining “The Effects of Ocean Acidification and Ultraviolet Radiation on Spirulina major.”
Michelle Miranda, Service Authority Community Outreach Supervisor, and Jamaine Logan, Education and Outreach Assistant, praised the talent and dedication of the young scientists, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their passion for water quality treatment and management environmental.
The full list of winners includes:
Middle Division:
- First place: Lily Lu, Ronald Reagan High School
- Second Place: Aysha Jafar and Salma Jafar, Ronald Reagan Middle School
- Third place: Erin Jansen, The Nokesville School
- General Manager Awards: Zoey Davis, Marsteller Middle School
Senior Division:
- First Place: Dylan Borek, Josh Rizer and Izidor Yatsevich, The Governor’s School at Innovation Park
- Second place: Andrew Funk and Sofia Wojcik, Governor’s School at Innovation Park
- Third place: Jocelyn Ellis, Osbourn Park High School
