Ten Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) Middle School students took the stage for the Shenandoah Valley Regional Science Fair competition at James Madison University on March 11, 2014. The R-MA regional winners include Justin Abrahim (8th grade), who took home the Gold Medal in the Medicine and Health section; Aman Atwal (6th grade), who won the Gold Medal in the Plant Science division along with a Naval Science Award; Pacey Gillum (7th grade), who took home the Bronze Medal for the Earth and Planetary Science division; Dylan Glascock (8th grade), who claimed the Silver Medal for the Plant Science section; and Bernard Kasozi (6th grade), who was awarded the Bronze Medal for the Energy and Transportation division, along with a Naval Science Award.
In addition, Atwal received a nomination to compete in the Broadcom MASTERS Science Fair. His project studied bitter rot in apples, and was accomplished with the assistance of Dr. Mizuho Nita, an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
The MASTERS is the national science, technology, engineering, and math competition for U.S. sixth to eighth graders. Students receive nomination for this national competition by being earning a position in the top 10% of a SSP-affiliate fair, such as the Shenandoah Regional Science Fair. In September of 2014, after nominees have submitted their applications to advance to the next level, SSP and Broadcom will announce 300 semifinalists and then the 30 finalists. The 30 finalists are awarded with an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. where, from Oct 24-Oct 29, Broadcom MASTERS will showcase the finalists will compete for the top award of $25,000.
Abrahim, Atwal, Gillum, Glascock, and Kasozi earned their spots at the Shenandoah Regional Science Fair by placing in Randolph-Macon Academy’s science fair, held February 26th. Also winning awards that day were Julia Kolesnik (6th), Sarah Ponn (6th), Jacob Karen (7th), Jack Smith (7th), Evan Anderton (8th), and Bailey Sims (8th). Kolesnick and Abrahim tied for best in show at the R-MA Science Fair.
Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA’s 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and have the option to participate in a flight program. Grades 6-8 offer a traditional junior boarding program with five-day and seven-day boarding options. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, VA.
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