The results are in, and they did not disappoint! If you’re a current OVCS student family, we hope you had a positive and fun learning experience over the last couple of months leading up to this final Academic Fair showcase.
And if you’re not a current OVCS family, or you missed our event, we are thrilled to share some of this year’s results with you!
We were all impressed with the high-quality work and variety of topics represented at this year’s Academic Fair! The hard work and enthusiasm were evident in so many students, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. There were so many proud kiddos — excited to share what they had accomplished. And many parents have said that their children are already mapping out NEXT year’s projects.
The Process and Project Criteria
As a reminder, here’s a quick outline of the Academic Fair project process and criteria. This was a multi-subject project that students worked on for several weeks and then presented to judges, the school, and their families!
Each student was instructed to incorporate knowledge from a variety of academic and artistic areas, except for Kindergarten who worked to complete a class project.
Subjects could vary by student and by project, and might include social studies, history, geography, government, mathematics, literature, science, health, research writing, creative writing, public speaking, visual art, dance, music, drama, and Bible.
While this was a school-wide event, each grade level was given age-appropriate instructions and expectations. Grade 1 had three required subject areas, 2nd-4th had four required subject areas, and 5th through high school had five required subject areas.
The judging criteria was based on knowledge of the particular topic, content, a verbal interview, creativity, organization and neatness, inclusion of each subject area, and use of different mediums.
The variety of topics and flexibility of the criteria allowed each student an opportunity to have fun and excel while learning valuable life skills.
Learn more about the process and criteria here: https://ossipeevalleychristian.org/academic-fair-2025
2025 Academic Fair Judges
Our judges all have a love for OVCS! We would like to recognize them for all their hard work:
- Returning judges: Fred and Laura Lettelier, are parents of two OVCS graduates, who also spearheaded the work we did with Operation Christmas Child this year.
- Victoria Perry, a retired teacher and member of Hilltop Baptist Church.
- Tammy Pike, a retired social worker and active member of the Limington community.
- New this year: Dorothy Frye, a former OVCS teacher and the wife of a “fan favorite” chapel speaker, Pastor David Frye of Hollis Center Church.
- New this year: Amy Platt, a homeschool mom whose family is involved in OVCS through sports and other activities.
This is a group of folks who put your children at ease and brought a balanced view to the judging process.
Project Showcase
And now on to the results! After weeks of hard work and set-up, we were so pleased with what we saw and how the students presented their topics with knowledge and confidence this week.
Here are project examples from the various grade levels… (zoom in or click on any image for a closer look)
Kindergarten
The Kindergarten class completed a class project all about space.
Primary Grades
Judges: Amy Platt and Laura Lettelier
The variety of projects and skills in grades 1 – 3 can be seen in these examples ranging from a variety of animals to the NFL and magnets.
Upper Elementary
Judges: Victoria Perry and Tammy Pike
The variety of projects and skills in grades 4 – 6 can be seen in these examples ranging from bearded dragons and Disney to LEGOS and coins.
Junior High
Judges: Fred Lettelier and Dorothy Frye
The variety of projects and skills in grades 7 & 8 can be seen in these examples ranging from the cartoonist Charles Schulz to honeybees, sourdough, and disc golf.
High School
Judges: Fred Lettelier and Dorothy Frye
The variety of projects and skills in grades 9 – 12 can be seen in these examples ranging from Japanese mythology to The Kola Superdeep Borehole and economic freedom.
The Feedback
“The students invested an incredible amount of work! It was a delight to see their efforts and hear their knowledge!”
– Amy Platt, Academic Fair Judge
“We received huge positive feedback from all! It was a joy to see the different strengths of the students shine through, what some lacked in one area (say, artistic ability) they more than compensated for in another (public speaking). I love the little victories – the nervous, shy kid who overcomes and is a rockstar during their interview. It was a great experience. Even the judges all LOVED it and are already committed to next year.”
– OVCS Teacher
“I always feel that this is one of the best academic experiences of the year!”
– OVCS Parent
“Well Done!! I know how much hard work and time goes into these projects — both as a teacher and as a dad. I found myself becoming a fan of coin collecting, formed deeper opinions on the assassination of JFK, decided that crochet is awesome, and was impressed by a homemade guitar! The hard work and enthusiasm were evident in so many students and they have much to be proud of.”
– Scott Weirick, Headmaster
The Results
A total of 66 unique and inspired projects were completed, presented, and judged. And the results were…
4 Trophies were awarded for the areas of the terrier (grade 4), sourdough (grade 8), The Alamo (grade 7), Economic Freedom (grade 11). Congratulations!
Plus, we awarded 26 Blue ribbons 28 Red ribbons, 6 Yellow ribbons, 2 special recognitions and an honorable mention to all our well deserving, hardworking students.
We couldn’t be prouder of these students, their enthusiasm, or their hard work. Congratulations and we look forward to next year!