A team of high school students in the Syracuse University-sponsored
Science and
Technology Entry Program (STEP) won the high school Science Bowl Civility Award
for outstanding sportsmanship at this year's U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
National Science Bowl. The competition took place at the National Building Museum
in Washington, D.C., on May 4.
The National Science Bowl? is a nationwide academic competition that tests students'
knowledge in all areas of science. High school and middle school students are
quizzed in a fast-paced question-and-answer format similar to the television program
"Jeopardy." Competing teams from diverse backgrounds are composed of four
students, one alternate and a teacher who serves as an advisor/coach.
Team members are Hadjer Sahraoui (freshman, Jamesville-Dewitt High School),
Iryonna Scruggs (junior, Liverpool High School), Devante Watson (freshman,
Nottingham High School), Melquea Smith (freshman, Syracuse Academy of Science
High School) and Nour El-Houda Sahraoui (senior, Jamesville-Dewitt High School)
and coach Sarah Sahraoui, a 2008 bio-technology graduate of the SUNY College of
Environmental Science and Forestry and STEP program teacher, who worked with
team members to prepare for the challenge.
As part of their award, the team won a trip this summer to the Crow Canyon
Archaeological Center in Southwestern Colorado.
"I am so proud of my students," says Leonese Nelson, SU STEP program director. "I
considered them winners before arriving in Washington, D.C., for the National
Science Bowl. Their dedication, hard work and love of learning enabled them to win
the Civility Award. We are looking forward to next year!"
DOE launched its National Science Bowl competition in 1991 to encourage high
school students to excel in science and math and to pursue careers in those fields. The
National Science Bowl's high school competition now involves more than 13,000
students. The National Science Bowl is the only science competition in the United
States sponsored by a federal agency.
About Syracuse University STEP
Syracuse University STEP provides academic support services and enrichment
activities to students in grades 7-12. Students acquire the skills necessary for entry
into pre-professional degree programs in scientific, technical and health-related fields
through hands-on activities that have real-life implications. The STEP Saturday
Learning Academy/Enrichment Program offers advising, counseling, math and
science academic instruction, tutorials, mentoring, college preparation, professional
development and other academic services such as field trips, workshops and cultural
awareness programs.
Students in SU STEP come from schools within the Syracuse City School District and
four other Central New York school districts. For more information about SU STEP,
contact Nelson at (315) 443-9171 or lenelson@syr.edu.
