Future doctors and scientists got a little taste of the limelight Friday when winners of the Butler County School System science fair were announced.

With parents, grandparents, teachers, principals, friends and relatives on hand, the winners were announced by Dr. Tera D. Simmons, curriculum director, and presented their ribbons and medallions by Butler County School Superintendent Darren Douthitt.

“I’ve personally gone through each of these exhibits, and I declare all of them No. 1 contenders,” Douthitt said. “When the kids get to participate in opportunities like this, it inspires them to become that doctor, become that paleontologist, to become that scientist, to become that person you all have inspired them to become.”

Simmons said each school in the system had their own science fair and the first and second place winner from each school were able to compete in the countywide event.

“I was very impressed with the students,” Simmons said.

Simmons said the students were interviewed by judges from outside the school system and “explained the process, the scientific method that they used in the conclusion of their project.”

Winners included: grades 1-2 Ashton Nelson, first place, and Timber Black, second place, both from Georgiana School; grades 3-4, Georgiana School’s Zane Lewis, first place, and Greenville Elementary School’s Amiry Bell, second place; grades 5-8, Georgiana School’s Sierra Newman, first place, and McKenzie School’s Cathy Odom, second place; Grades 9-12, Kaitlin Phelps, first place, and Irina Seale, second place, both of Greenville High School.

Other participants in the Butler County science fair included Kailey Moore, Thalia Bonilla and Clarissa Mills of Georgiana School; Lucas Elliott and Noah Turner of W.O. Parmer Elementary School; Sierra Presley of Greenville Elementary School; Haley Ballard, Haley Blackburn and Austin Weathers of McKenzie School; Hannah Piggott and Donovan Evins of Greenville Middle School.

Judges included Donna McLendon, AMSTI specialist; Rod Cater, Alabama Power; Amy Garrett, AMSTI specialist; Hope Balkcom, AMSTI specialist; Dr. Jean Thompson, retired Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Greenville Campus Director; and LBW science instructor LeAnn Judah McLendon.