Hudson Montessori Students Receive Special Recognition at 2026 Hudson County STEM Fair

Congratulations to 17 Hudson Montessori students for achieving special recognition for their science and engineering research at the Hudson County STEM Showcase at Liberty Science Center. Hudson Montessori School and McNair High School received the most awards. 

Our students had submitted 27 projects—25 from Middle School and 2 from 5th grade. Of those, 12 projects were selected for awards, and 17 of our students received prizes for their work. This is a remarkable accomplishment in such a large countywide competition, which included 500 entries from students in grades 5 through high school throughout Hudson County.

We are proud of all the hard work each student dedicated to the 2026 STEM Showcase. We look forward to seeing how your innovative ideas continue to grow and develop. Some of our students conduct longitudinal or related studies that span multiple years.

In preparation for the 2026 competition, all of our presenters dedicated many hours to creating innovative projects that reflect both their curiosity and their commitment to their chosen passions. Their hard work is shown through the research, writing, and creativity showcased in each presentation. 

Our school’s accredited STEAM program integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math across every grade level. This interdisciplinary approach provides the foundation for the impressive projects our students develop each year. We are proud to support our students as they explore meaningful questions, design experiments, and share their discoveries with the research community.

Our students’ success is made possible through the guidance and encouragement of their teachers. Throughout the year, our STEAM faculty provide mentorship, materials, and support to help students refine their ideas and bring their projects to life. Special thanks to Michelle Velho, Dr. Grace Sanvictores, and Samantha Gordon for their commitment to making space in the curriculum and in their days to support our students’ work.

Several Hudson Montessori students received special recognition for their projects:

Individual Entry

Gold:

• Matthew G.

Silver:

• Afsheen K.

• Derin T.

• Max J.

• Mila M.

Bronze:

• Sophie L.

  
  

Team Entry Awards

Gold:

• Anushka D. and Luna Z.

• Indira G. Nn, Cosette B., and Alice D.

• Kaavya C. and Nina S. (5th Grade Team)

  
  

Junior Innovation Challenge Award:

• Kalyani A. and Vihaan R.

• Mia L. and Rea R.

  
  

Thermofisher Advancing Equity Through Innovation Award:

• Kalyani A.

• Vihaan R.

  
  

Samuel and Minnie Narushinky Award:

• Derin T.

  
  

Hudson Montessori School, located in downtown Jersey City, serves children from ages 2 through 8th grade. The teachers use an interdisciplinary, theme-based learning approach grounded in Montessori philosophy and methodology to foster students' love of learning. Its STEM-certified campus is the only one of its kind in New Jersey, featuring STEM-certified teachers who meet the highest standards set by the National Institute for STEM Education. The school welcomes parents to an open house to learn more about its programs.