By Admin. Updated 2:12 p.m., Thursday, March 06, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Just two months after securing top honors at the VINLEC National Science Fair, four students from the Windsor Primary School have once again proven their excellence; this time at the prestigious Young Environmental Scientist (YES) Macmillan Caribbean Competition.
Donray Greaves, Ajene King, Zhi-Jason Hannaway and Kyra Haynes participated in this regional event, and impressed judges with their sustainable and renewable plant-based battery technology made from non-toxic locally available materials.
With strong participation from Caribbean schools, Windsor Primary School placed 4th overall in the Primary Level category behind Guyana (3rd), Jamaica (2nd) and Trinidad and Tobago (1st).
The foundation for the students’ project began at the summer camp hosted by MD Academy. During the camp, some of the students had the opportunity to interact with instructor Tonye Roberts Ogolo, who introduced them to a wide range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities. Through hands-on experiments and engaging discussions, Mr. Ogolo exposed the campers to the latest advancements in science and technology, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to explore innovative solutions.
Intrigued by the potential applications and the toxic chemicals left behind after batteries are disposed, the students conducted further research to understand their significance. This research was supported by their parents, teachers and Mr. Ogolo, who has been collaborating with Windsor Primary School on science projects for several years.
Motivated by their findings, the students developed their project and presented it at the VINLEC National Science Fair, where they were thrilled to win the top prize in the Upper Primary School category.
Encouraged by this success, the students, led by Mr. Ogolo decided to take the project to the next level by entering the prestigious YES Macmillan Caribbean Competition. Under Mr. Ogolo’s continued guidance, the students refined their ideas and prepared to compete on the regional stage, eager to showcase their work among the best young scientists in the Caribbean.
The students’ success at the YES Macmillan Caribbean Competition holds great significance, not only for their school but for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole. Their impressive fourth-place finish on the regional stage highlights the growing strength of STEM education in the country and the potential of young Vincentians to compete at an international level.
Principal of the Windsor Primary School Kenneth Burgin said this is a proud moment for the students and expressed that their pride equally extends to the wonderful work and tremendous effort undertaken by the Ministry of Education and other agencies, including Macmillan Caribbean, to foster interest in STEM fields and learning in general.
The YES Competition, organized by Macmillan Caribbean, is a prestigious regional event designed to empower and inspire young minds.
The competition serves as a platform for students to showcase their creativity, innovative projects, and problem-solving skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a strong emphasis on sustainability. By engaging participants in hands-on research and project development, the competition encourages critical thinking and fosters a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation and scientific inquiry.
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