Northcoast Prep Student Amaya Bechler Nominated State Finalist at Humboldt County Science Fair

ARCATA, Calif. - April 10, 2019 - PRLog -- Northcoast Preparatory Academy (NPA) is proud to announce that Junior Amaya Bechler won nomination as a State Finalist at the Humboldt County Fair. Amaya was one of 18 students selected out of over 300. She won first place in her category, Life Sciences.

Her project is titled "How does Spartina Densiflora affect Bird Use of Salt Marsh?" An avid birder for the last several years and a self-driven student, Amaya was empowered to "figure out the project by myself." "Birds are so accessible," she points out.  Her research done at the Arcata Marsh and other marshes reveals a sobering statistic: unrestored marshes (where invasive grass has not been removed) see 80% less birds than restored marshes.

Amaya also received awards from the California Association of Professional Scientists and the Redwood Audubon Society. She will represent Humboldt County at the State fair in Los Angeles in early May.

The 36th Annual Humboldt County Doris Niles Science Fair was held March 18-22 at Humboldt State University (HSU). Projects covered a variety of categories including Life Science – Animals, Life Science – Botany, Earth/Space Science, Math/Engineering/Inventions, and Physical Science.

HCOE Superintendent Chris  Hartley notes that "the Science Fair is not only a terrific opportunity to put the 'scientific process' to work but truly develops skills like time management, organization, problem solving, the power of creativity, being an independent learner and developing communication skills."

The Humboldt County Office of Education, Rotary Club of Eureka, and Humboldt State University are major sponsors of the Humboldt County Science Fair and local businesses, organizations, and individuals help provide funding to students for travel to the State Science Fair. The County Science Fair also involves 120 volunteer judges who evaluate the projects, interview students, and assign awards.

NPA is a public charter school. As an International Baccalaureate World School chartered through the Humboldt County Office of Education, NPA is devoted to providing a respectful and inspiring learning environment in which academic achievement and responsible citizenship are valued equally. Visit www.northcoastprep.org.