CITGO Refinery Recognized for STEM Contributions In Lemont Schools

LEMONT, IL — District 113a recognized the CITGO Lemont refinery in May for its support of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics initiatives in their schools. According to a release, through CITGO’s involvement, students like Drazen Gierman are excelling. Recently, Gierman, a Project Infinite Green participant and student at Old Quarry Middle School, was awarded third place in a high school essay contest conducted by North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN). Gierman submitted an easy based on his research of nuclear power and power production for third world countries.

CITGO said as a part of the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline, the Lemont Refinery has supported STEM classroom grants through the District 113a Education Foundation, and has served as a corporate partner for Project Infinite Green--- an after-school program that focuses on teaching students, sixth through twelfth grade, about the scientific and business aspects of creating clean energy solutions.

According to Catherine Greenspon, Project Infinite Green Chief Change Agent, support from the local community and area businesses is key to the success of the program.

“CITGO and its employees inspire our students by helping them apply their STEM education to real world challenges,” Greenspon said in a release.

CITGO said in addition to financial support, through classroom presentations on oil refining, clean energy solutions, and environmental stewardship, Lemont refinery engineers and environmental experts also serve as mentors to District 113a students.

Photo provided by Citgo Lemont.