Murphy Junior High Student Wins Gold In STEM Competition

Caption: The Murphy Junior High School Aqua Marine ACT-SO team.

The supply of clean water is a major issue in Africa, and Murphy Junior High School student K’Shari Pittman was recognized recently for her research on the issue.

Pittman and her teammates with the Aqua Marines won a gold medal in the recent Jr. ACT-SO competition. The program provides a platform for sixth through eighth grade students to improve their social and team-building skills while building their analytical, problem-solving, presentation, and STEM-related competencies. The program also brings a greater understanding of social and business issues.

Students worked in teams of three to four to identify a problem that is environmental, industrial or societal. Each team presented a solution that allowed them to enhance their STEM-related skills. The goal of the program is to provide an exciting educational experience for sixth through eighth grade students of African American descent.

The DuPage County Jr. ACT-SO program is an extension of the DuPage County high school ACT-SO program, sponsored by the DuPage County chapter of the NAAC.