Sacred Hearts Academy hosted the 21st annual Science Symposium for girls in grades 5 to 8 with 200 students and 235 parents in attendance on Feb. 28.

Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri, was the keynote speaker for parents and students. Davuluri talked about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields  being important for girls and encouraged students to consider STEM careers.

Rodney Chang, Director of Special Events said, “Nina Davuluri was selected to be the keynote speaker at this year’s Science Symposium because she has been an outspoken advocate for STEM education for students and especially for girls. She believes in encouraging young women to consider a STEM-related career because of the expected demand for STEM-related jobs.”

Students could choose two 50-minute workshops from a selection of 19, including “A Microscopic World,” “Creating a Mobile Robot,” “Saving Lives for a Living” and “Be a CSI in Training: See Your Own DNA.”

The workshops were conducted by Academy teachers, university professors and professionals from the community.