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Science world look out – here come three talented York Catholic award-winning students!
At the recent 2011 Canada Wide Science Fair, two York Catholic students wowed judges with their innovative research and impressive presentations in the field of science.
Grade 8 St. Julia Billiart CES student Ashkay Ben presented his research on the relationship between antioxidants and plant growth.
Before the competition, Ashkay expressed his passion for science.
“I am very passionate about science and mathematics. I won academic awards in Grades 5, 6 and 7 and I am expecting the same in Grade 8.”
Ashkay’s wish came true when he won the Bronze Medal Excellence Award at the Junior Level. This award provided him with a $300 scholarship. Ashkay was also awarded a $1000 entrance scholarship to the University of Western Ontario after being selected as a bronze medalist.
Ashkay plans to continue his passion for science throughout high school and even into a career.
“When I grow up, my ambition is to become a neurologist.”
Grade 9 St. Robert Catholic High School student Alexandra Gaglione also impressed the judges at the Canada Wide Science Fair with her project that compared typical solar water purification with a new and innovative water purification system.
Like Ashkay, Alexandra was also given the Bronze Medal Excellence Award, but at the Intermediate Level, giving her a $300 scholarship. The University of Western Ontario recognized her as a bronze medalist and was given a $1000 entrance scholarship to use in the future if she wishes. Alexandra aspires to work in the field of science, and hopes to become a doctor of media specialist.
York Catholic is also celebrating the impressive scientific achievements of Patrick Dowling, a Grade 12 student at Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newmarket. Patrick recently placed second in the Canadian Association of Physicists Prize (CAP) exam.
The challenging CAP exam, which is written by students across Canada, is used to determine which Canadian students receive an invitation to the National Physics Olympiad. This year, the National Physics Olympiad was held in Vancouver and although Patrick was not selected to move on to the International Physics Olympiad, his teachers are very proud that he represented the York Catholic District School Board and Ontario so well at the National Olympiad.
Congratulations Ashkay, Alexandra and Patrick on your impressive accomplishments!