Parents who came to admire their children’s work at Open House on Feb. 9, also viewed science fair projects and caught a glimpse of the future, state-of-the-art science lab.

After visiting the classrooms and perhaps playing a round of “Are You Smarter Than a 4th Grader?” or viewing a slide show of a chemistry class, most of the students, parents and staff headed to the auditorium to check out the science fair. The crowd was silenced for the results. Seventh graders William Yam and Andrew Nguyen tied for third place.

Diana Pham, eighth grade, Abi Cadenas, sophomore, Hillary Phan, junior, and Amanda Touchstone, senior, each won third place for their respective grades.

Second place was awarded to Cherish Morley, seventh grade, Jenny Truong, eighth grade, Ethan Do, freshman, David Wright, junior, and Thalia Arredondo, senior.

First place winners were Emmet Mallipudi, seventh grade, Michael Tadros, eighth grade, Alyssa Simonds, freshman, Kevin Trinh, junior, and Tammy Huynh, senior.

Several other awards were handed out. The Most Creative award went to Simonds, and the Most Unique award went to Do.

The Principal’s Choice award went to Chau Nguyen, eighth grade, and Huynh.

The overall second place winner was Simonds. “Even though I didn’t get first, I am proud,” said Simonds. The overall first place winner was Michael Tadros. He said, “I had to try really hard to earn this award. My work definitely paid off.” This is Tadros’s second year winning this award.

The highlight of the evening came  when Mr. Matt Thomas, high school principal, revealed the artist’s renditions of the new science lab.

There were many quick responses. William Yam, seventh grade, said, “I love the plans, especially the fireproofs of everything.”

The science lab is to be constructed in classrooms 15 and 16 and will consist of fireproof cabinets, student desks, teacher’s desk and chemistry hood among other details.

Mr. Thomas said, “I am amazed by the responses of the crowd. People were so excited and had many questions and positive comments. I even received a donation before the night was over. So I am very pleased.”

The science lab is estimated to cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Currently the school has raised nearly $7,000, and anticipates raising enough to begin construction  of phase one this summer.