You Be the Chemist 2019 Local Challege Update

Jeanette Glose Partlow and the winners of the 2019 Baltimore region local challenge

For the 5^th year in a row, Maryland Chemical, a certified NACD (National Association of Chemical Distributors) Responsible Distributor for over 25 years, was proud to be an active sponsor and supporter of the Chemical Educational Foundation’s “You be the Chemist” Challenge, a middle school STEM competition. The 2019 local challenge was the first of a series of challenges to determine which student will ultimately be awarded the National prize at an annual championship in Washington, DC in June 2019. The Challenge program is an academic competition for students in grades 5-8, and provides science and chemistry study materials to students and educators when most U.S. students have not yet studied chemistry as its own subject. Maryland Chemical President, and challenge judge Jeanette Glose Partlow said the following about the challenge:

“It is so exciting and impressive to see all the science that the students master for this competition.  Everyday Chemistry is amazing and it is wonderful to witness the enthusiasm of the students, teachers, and parents!”

The Baltimore Local challenge took place at Towson University on Saturday, February 26, 2019, hosted by Professor Dr. Mary Davadas.

Three Baltimore area schools competed including Burleigh Manor Middle School, Notre Dame Preparatory School and Sacred Heart of Glyndon.

Mrs. Mary Agnes Sheridan, Notre Dame Preparatory School's Middle Level STEAM coordinator and mathematics teacher, is the challenge’s regional coordinator. This year a record 21 students competed and the winners of the local challenge were as follows:

Challenge Champion:  Anurag Sodhi 

2^nd Place:  Anshuta Beeram

3^rd Place:  Maxwell Swann

4^th Place:  Aybars Kocoglu

All students who placed were from newcomer to the challenge, Burleigh Manor Middle School which is located in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Local Challenge Champion, Anurag Sodhi, and other local students will move on to the state championship which is scheduled for April 6^th at Johns Hopkins University Montgomery campus.

Jeanette Glose Partlow and STEM Coach and Educator Mrs. Berger along with NDP Students

Recently on the 18^th of March, educator Mrs. Berger, who has been coaching the Notre Dame Prep team for 5 years was celebrated for her efforts as she will be retiring from teaching following this year.

To find out more about the “You Be the Chemist Challenge” please click here . To learn more about the NACD and Responsible Distribution, please click here .