A lot of school kids participate in science fairs, but what is sometimes just a grade for some or a hobby for others has turned into a fiscally positive pastime for James Clark.

Sixteen-year-old Mayfield senior James has been involved in science fair projects since he was in the fourth grade, receiving over $132,000 worth of scholarship offers, many full-rides to various universities.

“I enjoy figuring out how things work by taking them apart and putting them back together again,” James said about the intrigue of science fair projects. “I’ve worked on a technology demonstration for a military robot, a robotic lawn mower and whether snowboards or skis have a higher potential for speed.”

James has also discovered a different style of wings for model airplanes and the ways of increasing the efficiency of wind turbines. In 2008 he received fourth place at the International Science Fair in Atlanta for a new style of pump for water wells.

“I created a smaller diameter pump that sits on top of a well and pulls water out using suction,” James said. “It is a smaller pump so you can lower it into the bottom of a well which allows water to be pumped at deeper depths than it was before.”

When James isn’t working on science fair projects, which he has done with his dad since the very first one, he is working on Advanced Placement classes, dual credit classes at New Mexico State University and helping out with his church, Fairacres Baptist Church.

“He’s one of those kids that is really a good kid,” Yvette Moore, his mom and English and Debate teacher at Mayfield, said. “Even when nobody is watching he is a good kid.”

In addition to being selected as one of the Mayor’s Top Teens, James is a volunteer for Camp Invention, Key Club and Vacation Bible School at his church.

“I like helping out and making a difference,” he said.

James, whose favorite subject in school is math, aspires to be a mechanical or electrical engineer when he graduates from college and that college might just be New Mexico Tech – a college where he has a chance for a full-ride scholarship if he receives first place in his category at the State Science Fair this year.

“There is a lot of great potential for him,” Yvette said. “It all comes from hard work and sticking with his science fair projects.