Morton Grove Student Wins 2nd Place in Science Competition

Morton Grove Student Wins 2nd Place in the You Be the Chemist Competition. Special congrats to Elena Severson from Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield, for obtaining 2nd Place in the 5^th Annual "You Be the Chemist Competition."

Four Middle School students from CHA: Maggie Fensler (Glenview), Alex O’Brien (Park Ridge), Elena Severson (Morton Grove), and Josiah Zachariah (Glenview) participated in the “You Be The Chemist Challenge” on March 20, 2013 at the Wilmette Jr. High School in Wilmette, IL.  The contestants were students from 5 area Middle Schools including Christian Heritage Academy, Joseph Sears School, Marie Murphy School, Saints Faith Hope & Charity School and Wilmette Jr. High School.

Students were able to enjoy the drama of academic competition, learn about chemistry and support local students.  UOP A Honeywell Company and the Chemical Educational Foundation sponsored the competition as local middle school students vied for top “Jr. Scientist” and a chance to advance to State and National competitions!

Read below for the electrifying summary from CHA Science Teacher, Robin Russell:
“Last night, 16 students from four different schools competed in the regional chemistry competition.    Four were from our school: Maggie Fensler, Alex O’Brien, Elena Severson and Josiah Zachariah.

“After the first round there were 15 students left in the completion, after the second round there were 10 left in the competition, including all four of our students.  After the third round there were 8 students left in the completion including three of our students.  After the fourth round there were six students left including three of our students.  After the fifth round there were four students left including one of our students.  At this point all four of the finalists were eligible for the state completion but now the competition was sudden death.  After one question, a student was gone and we were down to three with one of our students remaining.  After the second question in the round all three were still in it.

“After the third question in the round, another student was eliminated and there were two left with one of our students remaining.  After fourth question both were still in it.  After the fifth question, our student answered one wrong but first place had to be won by two points.  After the sixth question, our student was eliminated but took SECOND PLACE AND won an I-Pad mini, an electronic subscription to Science digest, and a beautiful trophy.  The student will also be part of the state final that will take place at Northwestern University, Saturday, April 27^th.

Oh – did you want to know who that student was – ELENA SEVERSON!

I am so proud of all four students who worked hard and did an amazing job. When you see them, please congratulate them all. “

For more information about CHA, please see our website:  www.christianheritage.org.