CHINA SPRING, Texas — This is the time of year for graduations, celebrations and sports playoffs of course. It's also when the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) takes place.
It's simply the biggest science fair in the nation. And for China Spring sophomore David Martinez, next week will be a huge opportunity to take his ideas and his work to the big stage!
David Martinez's Mother, Amber Martinez, told 6 News, "He's always been an old soul. Even when he was very small, he's been an old man!”
Well, this "Old Man" is about to turn 16, and after spending just a little time with him, you start to wonder why he isn't running your company. And, who wouldn't be excited?
David Martinez told us, "It’s almost like, you know the Superbowl, The World Cup, you know I want to call it the biggest pre-college STEM competition. So, I’m excited and a bit nervous. I want to go and meet everybody."
His mother explained to us what a good kid David is saying, “He's an exceptional kid, he really is. He plays various varsity sports, he's involved in school, honor society, I mean the list goes on. His dad and I joke, we just try and keep up."
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China Spring's David Martinez dominates at Central Texas Science & Engineering Fair
David's science project, which he had to qualify for and puts him among the elite in the nation, is about recycling plastics
David told us what he hopes to accomplish next week saying, "The ultimate goal would be to win. I really want to not only be the first competitor for China Spring, but I also want to be our first winner and I want to go and show what I think we are really capable of."
David is no stranger to winning competitions, he's had a great run since eighth grade in the State Science Fair.
David told 6 News, “At ISEF, the standards are higher, the bar is set higher because not only am I going to be judged by 20-plus judges on that one day, it's about 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but on top of that, they all have PhD’s or equivalent levels of education. They all have six years of experience and they are all there on their own dime."
David will be the first China Spring student to make an appearance at nationals, which is quite the accomplishment!
David's mom and dad are very proud, but they also want him to enjoy the ride. They told 6 News, "The experience alone is an amazing experience for him. And so, I hope that he's able to have fun, enjoy the experience and hopefully learn something along the way. I want him to reach whatever goals he sets. And I know that he can, he has very big goals."
To learn more about ISEF, visit here.
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