St. Patrick Catholic School eighth graders showcase their research projects during annual academic fair

Based on the reaction from at least one student, the eighth-grade academic fair at St. Patrick Catholic School in Wadsworth was a hit.

"This is the best day ever," a first-grader shouted as he made his way through the fair Thursday at the Wadsworth school.

Sixty-three eighth grade students presented their research projects to fellow classmates in the school's gymnasium.

Topics were open for the students to choose and included, motocross, robotics, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, animal testing and the guitar to name a few.

"They look forward to this their whole junior high career," St. Patrick Principal Elisabeth Dworak said.

After conducting research for eight weeks, each student created an essay, an oral presentation and a visual display.

The projects were judged Thursday morning by alumni and community members, and an awards ceremony followed Thursday evening to honor the first and second place and honorable mention projects.

English teacher Nick Huffman credits former teacher, Adelle Green, who started the fair 12 years ago. "Hopefully she's impressed with what we did," Huffman said.