Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 117, No. 13	April 1, 2009

So they want to be a chemist

By LARRY SEE JR.
Messenger Staff

Sixteen elementary students already have decided what they want to be when they grow up – chemists.

Photos by Larry See Jr.
Two Meade County elementary school students think before using their remotes to answer a question at the “You Be A Chemist” program March 26 at Meade County High School. The event was sponsored by Arch Chemicals Inc., the Arch Chemicals’ Community Advisory Panel and the schools.

And they took a giant step toward their goal by participating in the fifth annual “You Be the Chemist” program of the Chemical Educational Foundation.

According to their Web site, the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) is a nationally recognized, award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing grades K-8 students’ exposure to science by emphasizing the central role of chemistry in everyday life.

The foundation has developed several important programs that encourage collaboration among the chemical industry, educators, and community members to foster a greater understanding of the science of chemistry, the benefits of chemicals, and the importance of chemical safety awareness.

District coordinator for student services, Peggy Darnall said she appreciated the family support for the contestants, as evidenced by the large crowd in the high school auditorium.

“Meade County has always done very well at the national,” Darnall said.

The 16 finalists were whittled from a total of 150 students, all in grades 6-8.

Darnall also recognized Arch Chemicals Inc. for their support, the seven members of the Community Advisory Panel and the teachers.

The competition consisted of 50 questions – 25 for the first round and 25 for the finalist match.

The questions were all multiple choice, and participants used remote controls to offer answers. As the answers were tabulated, audience members could see the percentage of answers as emcee and high school principal Bill Adams gave it.

The overall winner was Jarrod Foushee, the son of Pam and Rick Foushee, of Flaherty.

First place winner Jarrod Foushee and runner-up Jasmine Lancaster, both of Stuart Pepper Middle School, show their trophies off.

As his prize, the Stuart Pepper Middle School student will receive an all-expense paid trip to Philadelphia, Pa., to participate in the national contest June 18-19.

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the city of Philadelphia, PA, visit the Franklin Institute, and enjoy meals at local restaurants. All participants also receive prizes including T-shirts, chemistry sets and more.

The runner-up was Jasmine Lancaster, also of Stuart Pepper Middle School.

Other participants and their schools included:
• David T. Wilson Elemetary School: Shelby Baker, Evan Bradley, Neeli Rhoads, Kelsey Sutton and Jaycee Serrano.

• Ekron Elementary School: Carlea Brothers, and Lilliann White.

• Stuart Pepper Middle School: Jarrod Foushee, Bailee Howard, Jasmine Lancaster, Jared Prince, Braden Stith and Drew Vaughn.

• Payneville Elementary School: Michael Krimm, Brian Popham and Jolon Thomas.

Following the final contest, participants in the “You Be The Chemist” program take the stage with their trophies in the photo above. This is the fifth year Meade County public schools have participated in the program.

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