SANFORD ”“ For weeks now, students in grades 3-6 at St. Thomas School have been looking forward to the culmination of their hard work.

On Wednesday, April 15, organizers say the excitement will reach a fever pitch when the St. Thomas Academic Fair takes place. Early in the day, students will give oral presentations explaining their chosen subject matter and will demonstrate what they have learned, said school volunteer Claire Auger.

Students will be judged on several criteria, including content and quality of the oral presentation, the display board, the demonstration of learning and knowledge, the complexity of focus and the model constructed. The accompanying research paper, although not included in the judging, may be used by judges to ask questions for clarification of concepts.

At 6 p.m., parents and friends are invited to attend the K-6 Academic Fair Open House where students in kindergarten will present their displays on the seven days of creation. Students in grade one have studied animals and their habitats and have created shoebox models as examples of their knowledge. The second graders have chosen various artists for the purpose of creating their rendition of particular paintings by those artists. The artists will also be revealed in the students’ attire. Students in grades three and four are assigned a general topic for each grade level: third graders, states; fourth graders, animals including a paper mache model of their chosen animal; fifth and sixth graders select their topic in the areas of either science or social studies. Topics range from hydro-electric power, glaucoma to ancient Rome. The criteria are clearly explained and timelines and deadlines established. Their ongoing work is checked periodically. Assistance is available at various times during this period of preparation. The expectation of high quality work is emphasized as well as time management skills. The end product is a project that students are proud of and are eager to share, Auger said.

The much-anticipated announcement of Academic Ribbon Award winners takes place at 7:15 p.m. Auger calls the event a truly enjoyable and pride-filled ending to weeks of planning and hard work for St. Thomas students.

Later this month, on Sunday, April 26, the annual St. Thomas Spring Fever Fair will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sanford Memorial Gym This popular event will offer something for all: a major raffle, kids and adult penny auctions, used books, jewelry, religious items, plant booth, trash and treasures, toys, fudge, baked goods and crafts. New this year will be the presence of the Northwood Law game wardens as well as the National Guard who will offer games and exhibit military vehicles.