History, science students shine at fairs

Several hundred students from schools around Southeast Missouri had two opportunities recently to demonstrate their creativity and research abilities in two fields: history and science. And they once again demonstrated that the future of academic diligence is in good hands.

At the Missouri History Day at Southeast Missouri State University, about 500 students from 18 schools showed off projects based on the theme of "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History." Regional winners will go on to the state contest in April in Columbia, Mo.

Days later, more than a hundred students from 23 schools put up their exhibits at the Show Me Center for the Regional Science Fair. Winners from last week's competition will advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair in Louisville, Ky., in May.

What's exciting about both events is the precision and seriousness with which topics are treated. Indeed, one science fair participant hopes to get a patent as a result of her experiment. That would be quite a bonus in addition to her second trip in two years to the international competition.

Congratulations to all the students who entered this year's events.