Sewickley Academy Sophomores Earn Top Two Places in ACS Competition


Grade 10 honors chemistry students Tim Han and Erin Mahoney took the annual two-hour competitive exam sponsored by the Pittsburgh Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) on April 7, earning first and second prize, respectively, in the small school division.

Senior School chemistry teacher Dr. Susan Zawacky informed her about the test, and Erin and Tim decided to enter. “Dr. Zawacky told us about the chemistry contest that tests our knowledge and skills with an opportunity to win prizes and real money,” Tim said. “Since I liked chemistry and did fairly well in the honors chemistry class, I was determined to participate in the contest.”

Since 1945, the Pittsburgh Section of the American Chemical Society has sponsored an annual competition for secondary students. According to ACS, the competition “recognizes outstanding achievement by the students and their teachers as well as encourages interest in chemistry among school students.”

Tim and Erin took different approaches to preparing for the exam, but both acknowledged that Dr. Zawacky’s classes provided a solid foundation of chemistry that proved to be beneficial to their success on the exams.

Tim has a natural interest for science and chemistry, while Erin is developing one. “This is my first year at Sewickley Academy and I think SA has provided me with great opportunities in the field of the [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] STEM,” Tim explained. “One thing that I still remember is the poster session for chemistry. I choose to research the famous artificial sweetener saccharin and discussed its history and the relationship between its chemical structure and behavior. I made a poster displaying my findings and participated in the poster session which was open to the entire school.”
 
“Growing up, I never really loved science, especially biology, since my parents are doctors and I was sick of biology, and any science that involved math, like chemistry and physics,” Erin admitted. “In eighth and ninth grade, I discovered that I liked biology. I didn't expect to like chemistry this year, but I actually find chemistry at the atomic level to be very interesting, and the math is pretty easy.”

Both students were excited to do well and win prizes. “I am really excited about winning first place and I think my hard work has paid off. I also want to thank Dr. Zawacky for the extra help and instruction she provided me in preparation for this test,” Tim said.
 
Erin echoed Tim’s enthusiasm, “I found out that I had won second place when Dr. Zawacky emailed Tim and I, congratulating us on a great performance on the test. I thought she was just saying that because I did well but didn't win a prize. However, she went on to say that we would be getting letters in the mail. I ran to find one of my friends and I told her that I had won something in the chemistry contest, and then I dashed off to Dr. Zawacky's room to ask her what place I got.”

Later this month, Erin and Tim will attend an awards dinner at Duquesne University to receive their prizes.
 
The contest is comprised of three categories: first-year students in large schools, first-year students in small schools, and second-year students with the ultimate goal of qualifying students who are interested in participating in the International Chemistry Olympics and identifying students for scholarships. This year, 101 students from 20 schools competed for prizes and scholarships. First place in each category was awarded $250, second place $150, and third place $100.

Congratulations, Tim and Erin!


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