The Holmes Innovation School Science Fair that took place in the school’s gymnasium last Thursday (March 6) marked a major improvement in science application, student confidence, and completed projects at the school, said Principal Lianne Hughes-Odom.

This was the third in a series held since the Holmes revived its science fair and came just a few days prior to the citywide fair held at Reggie Lewis Center, where one of the Holmes projects was featured.

Kindergartners through fourth graders presented informational projects that they have worked on, while fifth and sixth graders put together projects for competition with other students. All were judged on Thursday morning by several district officials and community members – including guest judge Dariela Villon-Maga, a Mattapan developer now constructing three buildings on Blue Hill Avenue dubbed “Blume on the Ave.”

Villon-Maga said judging the projects was certainly a break from overseeing engineering, designing, and constructing new buildings, and that it was invigorating to see the energy and capabilities of the young people.

Theresa Lee, of the Boston Public Schools STEM Department, noted that a Holmes project by Miguel Gonzalez and Tyrah Reid looking to improve NASA’s lunar lander using different computer coding did progress to the citywide fair on Saturday. The project was presented and, if invited, it will move on to the state competition.

How to get soda cool in the fastest way? Ask these ladies, Dazia Williams DePina, Mia McKenzie, Angelica Chevalier, and Brooklyn Mair.

Teacher Moneysha Washington with students Braishely Cordova, Asena Yitabarek, Myla Wornum, Maliyah Daise, Principal Lianne Hughes-Odom, and Teacher Chimere Bell.

Yannari Barros, Torian Spence, and Araiyah Johnson with community guest judge Dariela Villon-Maga. Seth Daniel photos

Presenting their solar powered car of the future were Trace Austin, Derrick Gonzalez, Danny Correia, and Jhubwandel Hall.