Goldsboro, NC – Wednesday, Dillard Academy buzzed with excitement Wednesday evening as students, families, and educators came together for the school’s annual Science Festival—an event packed with hands-on activities designed to ignite a passion for STEM in young learners.

Each table at the festival served as a window into the future of science, showcasing student-led projects and interactive experiments such as building simple circuits to light bulbs, creating slime, exploring genetic traits, experimenting with magnetic paint, and crafting straw flutes. From glider designs to a playful introduction to coding in “Cosmic Coding,” the event was a celebration of discovery and imagination.

“This was such a wonderful opportunity,” said Carol Battle, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Dillard Academy. “Last year, Duke Energy sent out an email about science kits, and though we didn’t get them then, we reapplied as soon as the opportunity opened up this year. We were thrilled to be selected.”

Although the school didn’t receive a formal grant, Duke Energy generously covered the costs for all the materials. The festival was part of a broader initiative across North Carolina, where schools are hosting “Duke Energy Science Nights” throughout April.

Mrs. Yolanda Farmer, fifth grade math and science teacher, co-led the event’s planning. “It’s really about exposure,” she said. “Some children don’t have access to many science or STEM-related experiences. We wanted to change that—and based on the incredible turnout tonight, I think we did.”

A highlight of the event included a station on public health titled “Good Health Wins,” which educated young African American children about the importance of vaccinations. This station was sponsored by the Goldsboro chapter of the Continentals Society, of which both Battle and Farmer are members.

Beyond the Science Festival, the school’s fifth graders are also working on another exciting project—a book titled Celebrate Science, written entirely by students and soon to be published. A book signing celebration is planned for late May.

With strong community support and eager young minds, Dillard Academy hopes to make the Science Festival an annual tradition. “We’re definitely applying again next year,” said Battle. “This is just the beginning.”