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Westfield High School Seeks Community Judges for Science & Engineering Fair

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  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. mmunity-judges-for-science-engineering-fair.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 12:03 GMT by MassLive

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Westfield High School Seeks Community Volunteers to Judge Annual Science & Engineering Fair

Westfield High School’s annual Science and Engineering Fair is fast approaching, and organizers are urgently seeking community members with expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to serve as judges. The fair, a cornerstone of the school's STEM education program, provides students an invaluable opportunity to showcase their research projects and critical thinking skills, but its success hinges on securing enough qualified volunteers to evaluate those efforts. The call for judges highlights a continued need within the community to support hands-on learning experiences for local students.

According to the article published on MassLive.com, the event will be held on January 26th, 2024, and features projects from Westfield High School students across various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, computer science, and engineering. The fair isn't just a classroom assignment; it’s a culmination of months of work for many students, involving rigorous research, experimentation, data analysis, and the creation of detailed presentations. The experience fosters not only scientific understanding but also vital skills like problem-solving, communication, and project management – all highly valued in today’s workforce.

The need for judges is particularly acute this year. While the school has historically relied on a combination of teachers, parents, and community volunteers, securing sufficient participation can be challenging. The article emphasizes that judges don't necessarily need to be scientists or engineers with advanced degrees; rather, they should possess a general understanding of scientific principles and an ability to assess project methodology and clarity. Professionals in fields like healthcare, technical writing, data analysis, even skilled trades that involve problem-solving can be valuable contributors.

“We really want people who are passionate about science and engineering and willing to share their knowledge with young people,” stated Dr. Elizabeth Rose, the Science & Engineering Fair Coordinator at Westfield High School, in a statement included within the article. “The students work incredibly hard on these projects, and having knowledgeable judges provide constructive feedback is essential for their learning and growth.”

The judging process itself isn't overly demanding of time. Judges are expected to be present for approximately two hours on January 26th, during which they will evaluate student projects based on a rubric that considers factors like scientific thought, creativity, thoroughness, skill, and presentation clarity. Judges typically work in teams of two or three to ensure fairness and consistency in the evaluation process. The article mentions that training materials and guidelines are provided to all judges prior to the event, ensuring everyone understands the assessment criteria.

The Westfield High School Science & Engineering Fair is a long-standing tradition within the community, evolving over decades to reflect advancements in STEM fields and changes in educational approaches. While the specific details of past fairs aren't elaborated upon in this particular article, the commitment to providing these opportunities for students underscores the school’s dedication to fostering future generations of innovators and problem solvers. The fair aligns with broader national efforts to promote STEM education and address critical workforce shortages in technical fields.

The importance of community involvement extends beyond just providing judges. The Science & Engineering Fair often benefits from sponsorships, donations of materials, and volunteers to assist with event logistics. This collaborative effort between the school and the wider community reinforces the idea that STEM education is a shared responsibility. Supporting these initiatives helps ensure students have access to enriching experiences that prepare them for future success.

To become a judge, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. Elizabeth Rose at Westfield High School directly via email at erose@westfield.k12.ma.us or by phone at (413) 572-6501. The article stresses that even a small commitment of time can make a significant difference in the lives of these students and contribute to the overall success of the fair. The deadline for volunteer sign-up is rapidly approaching, so prompt action is encouraged.

In essence, Westfield High School’s call for judges represents more than just a request for volunteers; it's an invitation for community members to invest in the future of local youth and champion the importance of STEM education. By sharing their expertise and providing valuable feedback, these individuals can play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

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