Stratford School Altadena 8th Graders Excel in Science & Engineering Fair

Liliana Ponnezhan Photo courtesy Stratford School Altadena

Stratford School Altadena is proud to announce the accomplishments of two middle school students who recently took home awards at the 2025 Los Angeles Science and Engineering Fair. Stratford 8th grade student Liliana Ponnezhan was awarded first place for her science project “Can AI Align with Human Values?”– answering a timely and relevant question. Liliana will go on to represent Stratford School at the California State Science and Engineering Fair in April.

Liliana and Ms. Weerasana Photo courtesy Stratford School Altadena

Fellow 8th grade student Lyla Davila also received an Honorable Mention for her project, “Recognizing Dogs and Human Emotions.” Both Liliana and Lyla are members of the first graduating class of 8th graders at Stratford Altadena, with the middle school portion of the school opening just three years ago. The soon-to-be middle school graduates are currently preparing to move on to high school in the fall. Liliana has chosen to attend Flintridge Preparatory School, and Lyla will start her high school journey at La Salle College Preparatory.

Lyla Davila Photo courtesy Stratford School Altadena

A total of nineteen Stratford School Altadena middle school students participated in the science and engineering fair this year alongside students from all over Los Angeles County. “We are filled with immense pride and joy to witness the recognition of our middle school students’ hard work, perseverance, and determination. As our homegrown scholars, their achievements reflect a profound sense of accomplishment in all of us. This is truly a beautiful parting gift before they embrace the journey of high school,” says school leader Patrizia Ribaya. “We would also like to take a moment to recognize the dedication of our Science teacher, Ms. Weerasana, who has been an invaluable mentor to the middle schoolers as they prepared to showcase their science experiments in this competitive arena.”

Stratford School’s curriculum includes a strong emphasis on STEAM learning, starting in preschool. Stratford School Altadena is now enrolling in Early Preschool (age 2, not potty training required) through Grade 8, along with a specialty Mandarin Bilingual PS/PK/KG program. To learn more about Stratford School’s innovative STEAM curriculum, you can visit the campus during their upcoming Twilight Open House by appointment on Tuesday, April 29, from 4 PM – 6 PM. Visit StratfordSchools.com/open-house or email tours@stratfordschools.com to register.

Stratford School also has Summer Camp! Explore Summer@Stratford Day Camps, Preschool/Pre-K Mandarin Bilingual Camps, Kindergarten Prep Camps, Elementary Bridge Camps, and Middle School Prep Camps, running from June through August, with weekly and extended day options available. Keep your child active, learning, and engaged this summer. Learn more and register for Stratford’s summer camp offerings at StratfordSchools.com/summer.