2018 You Be The Chemist Challenge

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HURON— Matt Brown, an eighth-grader at Brandon Valley Middle School, won a statewide chemistry competition and was declared the South Dakota You Be The Chemist Challenge Champion.
After answering dozens of chemistry and general science questions over multiple rounds of competition, Brown bested a field of 31 fifth- to eighth-grade students, to earn an expenses-paid trip to compete in the National Challenge in Washington, D.C.
“Congratulations to all of the participants in the South Dakota State Challenge and especially to Matt Brown, who is advancing to the National You Be The Chemist challenge competition!” said Dr. Magan Lewis, the South Dakota and North Dakota YBTC Challenge organizer and research operations lead for Corteva Agriscience in Algona, Iowa.
Run by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), the You Be The Chemist challenge is a competition that encourages students in grades 5-8 to engage with chemistry concepts and their real-world applications. The Challenges foster connections between industry, educators, and community members to celebrate outstanding young learners and inspire them to pursue STEM careers. Students compete individually by answering multiple-choice questions to advance through a series of competition levels, beginning at their school and culminating on the national stage.
 The 2018 South Dakota State Challenge was held Saturday morning at the Huron Fine Arts Center Theater, and was sponsored by Dow Chemical, United Way Heartland Region, and Huron Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau.

Blake Peskey, a sixth-grader from Holy Trinity Catholic School in Huron finished second; Bridget Koch, an eighth-grader Whittier Middle School  and Jasper Fields, an eighth-grader Whittier Middle School took third, and fourth place, respectively. Each of the four finalists was awarded a gift card, plaque, medal, and certificate.
Brown will represent South Dakota at the National You Be The Chemist Challenge on June 18 in Washington, D.C. The National Challenge brings together State Champions from across the country, plus families, educators, and industry members, to celebrate outstanding academic achievement. Each participant will receive various prizes and giveaways, and the top four will also receive college scholarships.

Photos by Angelina Della Rocco of the Plainsman

Above from left: Corteva Agriscience research associate Shaun Ludwig and Holy Trinity students Alexis Priest, Ethan Nemmers, Blake Peskey, Kirsten DeGeest and Lily Halters, with event organizer and research operations lead for Corteva Dr. Magan Lewis. Students who survived the first elimination round participate on the stage during the second round of the You Be the Chemist State Challenge in the Huron Fine Arts Theater.

Courtesy photos

Blake Peskey, a student at Holy Trinity School in Huron poses with event organizer Dr. Magan Lewis after Peskey finished second in the You Be The Chemist state challenge Saturday in Huron.
The finalists from Saturday’s You Are the Chemists state challenge pose after the competition was completed. From the left are Corteva Agriscience research associate Shaun Ludwig. fourth-place finisher Jasper Fields, Bridget Koch, who finished third, runner up Blake Peskey and winner Matt Brown with event organizer Dr. Magan Lewis of Corteva.