Five seniors named semifinalists in Intel Science Talent Search

The 67th annual Intel Science Talent Search (STS) released the names of the 300 semifinalists today, five of which are Blair students. Among the participating high schools nationwide, Blair came eighth-highest in its number of semifinalists, but placed seven fewer semifinalists than in 2007 and 2006.

Students enrolled in Blair's Magnet program have the option to take the Senior Research Project class from their second semester junior year through the first semester of their senior year. Out of approximately 80 students enrolled in the class, 34 students submitted their projects to the competition, according to Senior Research Project teacher Susan Ragan.

Chosen among 1,603 applicants ranging from 45 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and two foreign schools, the semifinalists will receive $1,000 in scholarship money for this honor, according to the Intel STS press release. High schools will also receive $1,000 to fund math, science and computer science programs for each semifinalist they have.

From the 300 semifinalists, 40 will be chosen as finalists to attend the Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C. from March 6 - 11. During this trip, finalists will share up to $530,000 in scholarships and participate in a final judging process where the top prize of a $100,000 scholarship will be announced later at a black-tie awards ceremony.

Blair had 12 semifinalists for each of the past two years, advancing two students to finalist standing each time.

Blair's semifinalists are:
Andrew Kung
Benjamin Lee
Timothy Peng
Jasleen Salwan
Louis Wasserman

Editor's Note: Andrew Kung is an SCO Sports Editor and Copy Editor and Louis Wasserman is on the SCO Technical Staff and Chief Copy Editor.