Center for Excellence in Education Announces Semifinalists of the 2004 United States Biology Olympiad 3/9/2004
From: Suraiya Farukhi of the Center for Excellence in Education, 703-938-9062 ext. 229 or 412-609-4887 (cell), sfarukhi@cee.org VIENNA, Va., March 9 -- The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), sponsor of the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO), today announced the semifinalists of the 2004 competition. The center established the USA Biology Olympiad in 2002 to train future leaders in the biological sciences. USABO focuses on stimulating young scholars' intellectual curiosity and nurturing their ability to synthesize the breadth and depth of knowledge. This national program further encourages excellence and recognizes the talents of the U.S.'s brightest students. Winnowed down from an original pool of approximately 5,000 competitors, 573 students qualified to take the Semifinal exams of the 2004 USA Biology Olympiad. A total of 245 schools from across the nation participated in the Second Annual USA Biology Olympiad. Of the 38 states, which participated, California had the largest number with 86 semifinalists followed by 58 Semifinalists from Virginia and 54 from New Jersey. Maryland qualified 32 students for the Semifinal exam. "We're delighted at the performance of these students, " says Joann DiGennaro, president of the Center for Excellence in Education. "They are remarkably sophisticated in their knowledge of the biological sciences, and we're expecting great results in Round II -- the Semifinals of the USABO." "The USABO demonstrates to the U.S. the significance of innovative teaching and problem solving and the impact of teaching methodologies and learning strategies on students" continues DiGennaro. The Center is proud to promote best practices in science education demanding the best in practical and theoretical knowledge." CEE will select the top twenty students from the 573, to train at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The twenty finalists will compete for a position on the four-person team that will represent the USA at the International Biology Olympiad in Australia in July. Supporters of the USABO include BIOGEN, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Inc., George Mason University, Hartmarx Sportswear, Psychemedics Corporation, and Valley Forge Flags. ------ About CEE For the past 20 years, CEE has nurtured young scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science and technology through its major programs-the Research Science Institute and the USA Biology Olympiad. The Center's programs help keep the U.S. competitive in science and technology. |