Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ronald Gonzales-Lawrence
Date: March 24, 2026
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 397-4800 ext. 23885
Date: March 24, 2026
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 397-4800 ext. 23885
Pomona Unified School District Students Shine at 2026 Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair
Pomona, CA - Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its students at the 2026 Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair. This year, PUSD was represented by 20 students presenting 15 innovative projects, showcasing the District’s continued commitment to academic excellence and STEM education.
Among the District’s participants, two Senior Division projects earned Special Awards, while one Junior Division project received an Honorable Mention. All participating students and projects were recognized for their hard work, creativity, and scientific inquiry.
Special Award Winners included:
• Alejandra Ordonez and Sofia Schatz (Ganesha High School) for their project: “Asphalt vs. Concrete”
• Jocelyn Benitez and Natasha Garcia (Ganesha High School) for their project: “Watts Up With Heat?”
In addition, Guadalupe Rojas of Cortez Magnet School earned Honorable Mention in the Junior Division for the project “The Great Bake-Off.”
Students from across the District participated, representing a wide range of schools including Golden Springs, Pantera, Armstrong, Decker, La Verne, Ranch Hills, Vejar, and Westmont. Their projects explored topics ranging from plant growth and water filtration to renewable energy and materials science, reflecting both scientific rigor and real-world relevance.
“This achievement is a testament to the talent, curiosity, and dedication of our students, as well as the support of our educators and families,” said Superintendent Darren Knowles. “We are incredibly proud of how our students represented Pomona Unified on a countywide stage and demonstrated the power of hands-on learning in science and engineering.”
Board of Education President, Dr. Lisa Nashua added, “These accomplishments highlight the strength of our instructional programs and our commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and beyond. Our students are not only learning science, they are applying it in meaningful and impactful ways.”
The Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair was held March 8th and 9th at the Shrine Expo Hall, is one of the region’s premier academic competitions, bringing together top student researchers from across the county.
Awards will be distributed to school sites once received from the Fair organizers.
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Pomona Unified School District is a Zero-Adult world-class educational institution in east Los Angeles County serving the cities of Pomona and Diamond Bar with over 19,000 students.