Health Fair Inspires Future Scientists in Steubenville
The sixth annual Dr. Santiago Ching Memorial Health Fair, set for March 13-14, offers a unique scientific learning experience for fourth-grade students within the Steubenville City Schools. This two-day event, designed to ignite interest in the sciences, will be hosted at Pugliese STEM Academy with participation from scholars across Wells Academy, McKinley STEM Academy, East Garfield Elementary, Pugliese West Elementary, and Steubenville STARS.
Introduction to Science in an Engaging Format
Held daily from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the health fair departs from traditional judged events and instead immerses students in interactive learning stations. This innovative format ensures a hands-on approach to science education, honoring the legacy of Dr. Santiago “Sonny” Ching, a dedicated physician at Trinity Health System.
Commemorating a Legacy
According to Kayla DiMarzio, chair of the science department, the fair was launched in 2019 following Ching’s initiative to support local education. With financial backing from Dr. Ching and his wife, Wilma, the fair began at Harding Middle School, eventually evolving to a format that emphasizes experiential learning for elementary students.
DiMarzio reflected: “This event honors Dr. Ching’s commitment to inspiring future generations. It’s transformed over the years, beginning with local school partnerships and expanding to science competitions. Now, it focuses on engaging young minds through exploratory stations.”
Interactive Learning Stations
The fair features 11 educational booths, each led by high school science teachers and upperclassmen, covering topics such as:
- Body Armor
- Germ-Busting Blitz
- Candy Colony
- Brain Games
- Medical Terminology
- Healthy Eating
- Mental Health
- Vitals
- Yoga
- Water Quality
Stations adhere to core curriculum standards, integrating subjects like English and science, offering both elementary and high school students opportunities for skill-building and service learning.
Fostering Future Health Professionals
The health fair’s dual mission is to enhance students’ scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills, potentially steering them towards careers in healthcare. “Experiencing science at this early stage,” DiMarzio articulated, “sets the students on a path towards STEM and career-technical education.”
Organizers expect the interactive stations to nurture crucial skills in communication and collaboration, ensuring students are equipped for future academic and professional challenges.
Empowering Student Growth
Besides building interest in healthcare careers, the fair highlights ongoing programs like health informatics and biomedical studies. As DiMarzio pointed out, the health fair offers a platform to spotlight these advanced educational tracks, underscoring the importance of robust STEM learning frameworks.
The project-based learning approach aims to refine communication skills among high schoolers while fostering an academic foundation in science for the younger participants.
Community and Educational Impact
By providing a practical environment where students can explore science topics in depth, the health fair endeavors to empower youth in Steubenville and beyond. It also serves as an opportunity for students to meet peers from different schools, promoting social interaction and collaboration.
The health fair not only stands as a testament to Dr. Ching’s legacy but also as a cornerstone for building a knowledgeable, science-focused community prepared to engage with 21st-century challenges.
Conclusion
The sixth annual Dr. Santiago Ching Memorial Health Fair is more than just an educational event. It’s a celebration of community, science, and the potential of every young mind in Steubenville, encouraging students to envision a future where they can make a difference in the world of healthcare and beyond. Through initiatives like this, Steubenville City Schools continue to inspire and cultivate the scientists of tomorrow.
Source: https://www.heraldstaronline.com/news/local-news/2025/03/health-fair-exposes-students-to-science/