Tri-fold presentation boards were lined up on the tables that spanned Pacific Lutheran University's Olson Auditorium Saturday afternoon.

The judges took their time inspecting each display, making notes as they read the findings of the high school students from around the region. Among the judges, many of whom are teachers or scientists themselves, were Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. These men and women volunteered for the opportunity to meet with local students and support the South Sound community.

Soldiers from the 191st Infantry Brigade have been judges at the fair for at least five years. The Soldiers all quickly volunteered upon learning about the opportunity.

Command Sergeant Major Dennis Woods was impressed by the projects he saw at the science fair.

"Some of the projects are of immediate service in the Army," Woods said. One of these projects was an audio screening test developed by Sampath Duddu of Capital High School for laptops.

"A platoon or company medic could use this at their level," he said.

Duddu was awarded the U.S. Army Certificate of Achievement Life Sciences for his project called "Can You Hear Me Now?" He was excited to hear that Woods was so receptive to his project.

"It definitely is encouraging to me," Duddu said.

Another project by Veena Iyengar won a U.S. Army Certificate of Achievement and first place overall. Iyengar, of Bellarmine Preparatory School, claims to be the first to videotape the Pendelluft effect, the exchange of air between healthy and diseased lung tissues.

"If the military says what you're doing is applicable to them it's the biggest compliment," she said.

Also on hand were members of the Air Force. Airman Erica Kalmerton of the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron volunteered to judge to connect with the community and high school students.

"I'm looking for people passionate about their project," Kalmerton said.

The Air Force awarded four prizes at the Science Fair, the Army gave eight awards and the Navy awarded three projects. They focused on projects applicable to the military, such as supersonic technology and how electricity effects velocity.

Students were excited to get feedback from the military judges.

"I'm glad we can get a chance to talk to them," Wilson High School freshman Tyler Strader said. "It shows a different perspective than a regular science fair judge."

Dr. Steve Colgan, the organizer of the fair, was happy to have the military be a part of the judging.

"It really adds a great formality to the proceeding," Colgan said, "It's very impressive when they are walking around in their uniforms and talking to students. The students take a real interest in them. To have the military find the time to come out and represent is wonderful to see."

Woods was impressed with what he saw at the fair.

"It gives you hope for the future."

Photo:

Scott Hansen/JBLM PAO

Airman Erica Kalmerton tabulates the score for Schae Smith, 15, left, a freshman at Wilson High School In Tacoma, while helping judge the South Sound Regional Science Fair March 24 at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland.