Horace Mann Elementary first-grader Aarya Kulkarni earned a first prize and two special awards in her first year of participation at the 60th Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF) on March 31 and April 1 at Bremerton High.

She was among the more than 700 presenters at the event, in which students from first through 12th grades converged on the high school with their project boards and demonstration materials.

Kulkarni presented the project “How Big is an Atom?” to judges who volunteer their time to listen, critique and praise the students.

WSSEF awards more than $1.8 million in scholarships as well as special awards meeting specific criteria set by a sponsor. WSSEF is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering and math across the state year-round.