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Chemistry Olympics
By: Devein Drake

     Mt. Juliet was well represented by its Chemistry lovers
at the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry Olympiad
hosted at Tennessee Tech. The competition featured a written
test with AP Chemistry level questions on subjects ranging from thermodynamics to organic chemistry.

     After completing the 60 question test, students had to
complete a hydration lab in which they were graded on the lab
results. Junior Brittany Hagler and senior Trey Drinkard finished
in the top ten, which qualified each of them to compete in the
National Chemistry Olympiad in April.

     Hagler said, “I didn’t really get a chance to prepare; I was asked
to compete at last minute. But I’d taken Chemistry I and II and
AP Chem., and I’d already started studying for the AP exam.”
     Both students intend on pursuing a career that will in some way involve Chemistry: Drinkard wants to pursue Veterinary Medicine
and Hagler plans on majoring in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

 

Science Quiz Bowl
By: Shelby Kardosh

     After three years of participation in the Science Quiz Bowl held at Pellissippi State Technical College, Knoxville, Tenn., Mt. Juliet had its best finish yet, coming in as the top public school in the competition.   
 
     On Saturday, Feb. 27 the school’s five senior representatives, Franklin Snider, Trey Drinkard, Will Ballard, Nathaniel Adams, and Drew Mitchell, represented MJHS showing off what they have learned throughout the past four years.  The questions asked were on topics such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, math, physics and computer science.Unfortunately the Mt. Juliet team did not place, but they did beat Cherokee High School, Seymour High School, and East Literature Magnet School.

     Mrs. Stevens, physics and chemistry teacher, has sponsored the team for the past three years.  Mrs. Stevens plans on returning to the Science Quiz Bowl next year with a new team and she encourages anyone to participate; however, the team is limited to only 5 slots.  She encourages students enrolled in AP science and math courses to join the team and says, “I’d like to have a good balance of juniors and seniors.”

Academic Decathlon
By: Lindsey Young

          Mt. Juliet High School’s Academic Decathlon team participated at the state competition on February 19 and 20 at Austin Peay University, taking seven students and winning several awards.

     Senior John Lee won a $1,000 scholarship, junior Levi Patton medaled in math, and freshman Hannah Tunks was the high scorer of the team. Overall, the members did well.

     The state competition consisted of ten elements, the contents of which are based on a theme. This year’s theme was the French Revolution. The categories are language, literature, math, art, economics, music, science, a speech, an essay, an interview and a quiz.

     Although some schools offered this as a class, the MJ team prepared for the regional and state competitions by meeting after school and studying individually. One of the requirements for this year’s Decathlon was to read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

     The school’s Academic Decathlon team was created three years ago and has grown in size every year. After competing in her second year, junior Amber Jeup said that the best parts of the club are “the experience of going to state, the excitement of winning a medal, and bonding with fellow decathletes.”

     Anyone interested in participating in the competitions should look for the booth during club rush, or speak to Mr. McGee, the club sponsor. Next year’s theme will be the Great Depression. There are no GPA requirements to join; students are paired with other students who have similar GPA.

     Students are encouraged to get involved in this club, which combines friendship with intellectual competition. There are also the chances of winning various scholarships and awards for participating.