Local student wins first place in nat'l science competition

Even though we already ran a story on this event based on information supplied by science teacher Jeff Wehr, we are including this article because it provides additional information

Kira E. Powell, a student at Odessa High School finished in first place in the environmental sciences category at the 50th National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) held May 5-6 in Bethesda, Md. The award comes with a $12,000 scholarship.

Powell presented her original research project, “The Development of a Novel Sodium Polyacryl-ate Seed Treatment” earlier in the symposium and was judged by experts in the field of environmental sciences to be among the best of more than 220 student projects presented at the symposium.

JSHS is a prestigious scholarship program sponsored by the United States Departments of the Army, Navy and Air Force to promote original research and experimentation in the sciences, engineering and mathematics at the high school level and to publicly recognize students for outstanding achievement. By connecting talented students, their teachers, and research professionals at affiliated symposia and by rewarding research excellence, JSHS aims to widen the pool of trained talent prepared to conduct research and development vital to our nation. For more information about JSHS, go to http://www.jshs.org.

JSHS regional and national symposia are held during the academic year and reach over 10,000 high school students and teachers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Department of Defense Schools of Europe and the Pacific Rim. Each of 48 university-held regional symposia invite the participation of secondary schools within their region. Powell was invited to attend the national symposium after being recognized as one of the top presenters at his/her regional symposium earlier this year.

President of the United States Barack Obama sent a letter to the students presenting at the symposium commending them for their hard work and focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), saying excellence in such fields will help the United States “win the future.”

Powell may use the scholarship awarded to her at any accredited college or university to pursue studies in a STEM-related discipline.