By Matt Weingarden

Earlier this month, St. Anne’s gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant hub of discovery as the school hosted its inaugural Saints Science Night.

The evening was a celebration of the newly established Saint Science Society, which promised “atomic fun”—and delivered an experience that was, as they joked, pure gold (Au).

Excitement and laughter filled the air as students and families of all ages came together for an evening devoted to the wonders of science. Best of all, admission was free, ensuring everyone in the community could participate.

The Science Society, a dynamic group of students led by science teacher Nancy Barrette, was born from a desire to share their love of science and contribute to the community. Barrette, inspired by her students’ enthusiasm, has helped launch this new extracurricular for students seeking alternatives to athletics.

“We put this night together to share our passion for science with families. Some of our booths include engineering and chemistry experiments. After all, you can never have too much slime,” Barrette said with a smile.

Hands-on booths lined the gym, inviting guests to roll up their sleeves for experiments and demonstrations. From mixing chemicals in pop-up laboratories to exploring robotics and dusting for fingerprints in a forensics showcase, there was something to ignite everyone’s curiosity. The event highlighted a variety of scientific fields—from biology and chemistry to engineering, computer science, and beyond—offering a glimpse into the many directions science can take.

Sarah Sauve, a grade 12 student and president of the Science Society, reflected on the club’s impact. “I love the passion I see ignited when kids explore science,” said Sauve, who hopes to become a pediatrician. “This is a special night for us, as St. Anne has never had a Science Society. It’s been exciting to bring all the sciences together under one roof.”

The evening also demonstrated the club’s commitment to service. Reaching out to feeder schools and local families, the Science Society has already made an impact outside the classroom—organizing fundraisers for Ronald McDonald House and a Cystic Fibrosis car parade, all while weaving faith-based values into its mission.

Families explored together, tested hypotheses, made discoveries, and nurtured a lifelong passion for learning. Saints Science Night was more than just an event—it was an invitation to explore, discover, and be inspired—together.