If meeting completion deadlines is any indication of science-fair success, this weekend should produce banner results for the school’s participants as a record number have met the goal the science research department always hopes for: completing projects a full two weeks prior to fair.

“Most everyone was done early, which was good for all concerned,” science research teacher Paula Ladd said. “We try to get done early every year. This year has just been particularly successful.”

Not everyone has enjoyed the newfound emphasis on meeting the completion deadline.

“This year, I feel like I’m more focused on getting good grades than doing well at fair,” freshman David Freeman said. “I don’t feel nearly as stressed as before, but at the same time, I don’t feel as nearly motivated as usual. Everything feels rushed.”

Freshman Joy Sawangkum expressed similar impressions.

“It’s less stressful and emotionally draining,” Sawangkum said. “But that takes all fun out of it.”

But that early deadline ensures adequate time for preparation.

“The backboard is the hardest component,” said freshman Srimayi Tenali. “It’s a representation of all your work for the whole year.”

However, as essential as it is, it is a difficult task to complete.

“It’s a nightmare to do,” said junior Elena Abascal. “It took weeks for me to do.”

This time period before science fair is equally stressful for teachers.

“There’s so much paper work to be done,” Ladd said. “Along with helping the students do their stuff, a lot of work needs to be done.”

But students and teachers together remain optimistic regarding the school’s performance.

“There’s not a doubt in my mind that West Shore will perform amazing, the same as last year and the year before and so on,” research teacher Mary Anderson said.

Journalism 1 student David Anderson contributed to this report