Burns Sci Tech Launches First STEM Celebration Banquet

Burns Sci Tech recently celebrated an exciting milestone with the launch of our very first STEM Celebration Banquet, an evening dedicated to recognizing students in grades 6–12 who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This special event was made possible through the vision and hard work of board member Suzanne Jarrell, along with science teachers Ms. Hawes and Ms. Bender, whose dedication helped bring this meaningful celebration to life. Their goal was not only to honor student accomplishments, but also to continue building excitement and support for the future of STEM education at Burns Sci Tech.

Throughout the school year, our students participate in advanced academic study, research, innovation, STEM competitions, and hands-on learning experiences that challenge them to think critically and creatively. Through programs such as Science Fair, SeaPerch, Science Olympiad, Envirothon, and many other STEM opportunities, our students continue representing both our school and community with perseverance, curiosity, and intellectual rigor.

The STEM Celebration Banquet was designed to recognize those accomplishments while also helping invest in the continued growth and expansion of STEM programming for future students.

For the event, the gym was transformed into a banquet hall filled with decorations celebrating science, innovation, and student achievement. Families, staff, community members, and students gathered together for an evening focused on celebrating hard work, dedication, and the incredible opportunities STEM education can provide.

Guests enjoyed dinner from Izzy’s Island Tacos while students were welcomed with personalized bags placed at the center of each table filled with keepsakes and mementos. A special themed cake spelling out “STEM” added another memorable touch to the evening.

Throughout the banquet, students were individually recognized for the groups, competitions, and events they participated in throughout the year. Students received awards, recognition pins, and honors celebrating their dedication to STEM learning and competition.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came as the senior STEM students were honored for their years of commitment and achievement. Seniors received special STEM cords to wear at graduation, symbolizing the countless hours of research, preparation, competition, and academic excellence they demonstrated throughout their high school careers. It was definitely a memorable moment for all.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and supporters who helped make this event possible. Thank you to Lazy Sago, the Moccia Family, Jason and Moria Land, Benjamen Dowdell, the Clancy Family, Moria Land, the Oak Hill Community Trust and ENO for all their ongoing support. Thank you all for helping celebrate our students and invest in the future of STEM at Burns Sci Tech. Your support helped create an unforgettable evening for our students and families.

The STEM Celebration Banquet was more than just an awards ceremony. It was a reflection of the strong STEM culture continuing to grow at Burns Sci Tech and the incredible community that supports it.

As our STEM programs continue to expand and our students continue reaching new levels of success, we look forward to this banquet becoming a long-standing Burns tradition for years to come, a tradition centered around celebrating innovation, perseverance, academic excellence, and the students helping shape the future.

STEM Banquet 2026