Nakayla Lestina, a senior at Dove Creek High School, placed second in the DaVinci Award at he 54th Annual San Juan Basin Regional Science Fair at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango.
Lestina, presented her project titled Biological Control of Diffuse Knapweed: Analyzing Two Natural Insect Enemies.
The Colorado Chapter of Soil and Water Conservation Society awarded 1st place and a $30 cash prize in recognition of her outstanding science project that exemplified the objectives of the Society, including the conservation of soil, water, air, and all forms of plant and animal life, that mankind may use and enjoy these renewable natural resources forever.
The Four Corners Geoscience of Durango, which is a woman owned small business and supports women in science and entrepreneurship, awarded Lestina a $200 college scholarship.
The Alpine Bank in Partnership with the STEM Internship Program proudly presented the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Gem Award with a cash prize of $100 to Lestina, in honor of her outstanding project demonstration and application of STEM skills in the workplace.
Lestina will present her project at the 57th Annual Colorado Science and Engineering Fair on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins on April 5 through 7.