Manoogian-Demirdjian School Students Excel in Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America's 9th Science Olympiad Competition Held in March

On March 6, 2010, nearly 100 Armenian-American middle and high school students took part in the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America's (AESA) 9th Annual Science Olympiad. The competition, held at California State University, Northridge, was organized by AESA's Science Olympiad Committee, which has been dedicated to the advancement of science and engineering among Armenian students since its inception in 2002.

Six of the students honored at AESA's event came from AGBU's Manoogian – Demirdjian School in Canoga Park, California. The winners included: 1st Place for Senior Division Physical Science – Mikael Matossian (11th Grade); 2nd Place for Senior Division Life Science – Armen Arslanian (9th Grade); Honorable Mention for Senior Division Life Science – Gacia Atachian (9th Grade); 1st Place for Junior Division Physical Science – Marc Matossian (8th Grade); Honorable Mention for Junior Division Life Science – Nicholas Papazyan (7th Grade); and Honorable Mention for Junior Division Life Science – Talar Kevorkian (7th Grade). Marc Matossian and Mikael Matossian also received honors for their work at the 60th Annual Los Angeles County Science Fair, held April 14-16 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Participating students developed projects in the fields of physical and life sciences. A team of volunteer professional scientists and engineers judged the projects, basing their final decisions on creativity, scientific thought, data analysis, thoroughness, presentation, and clarity; they also interviewed the students. As part of the proceedings, students competed as teams in a science and math trivia session, and the winning team received a prize.

The official awards ceremony had over 200 students, parents, educators, and science enthusiasts in attendance. AESA Science Olympiad Committee Chairwoman Dr. Marina Guevrekian praised the bright students who participated in this year's competition. Outstanding entrants were invited to join Dr. Guevrekian on the podium to receive custom-made 2010 obsidian medals from Armenia, along with cash prizes.

Following the students' awards ceremony, Artin Behin, a teacher from the Hovsepian Armenian School, was presented with the Teacher Appreciation award for his outstanding contributions in mentoring and inspiring science and engineering students. Attendees also enjoyed a special scientific presentation -- a lecture from UCLA School of Medicine Professor Nzhde Agazaryan. The presentation, entitled "The Invisible Knife: Recent Advances in Radio Surgery and Radiotherapy," covered the latest innovation in cancer treatments for different organs using radio surgery and radiotherapy.

The reception focused on honoring the parents of all students involved, emphasizing that children's aspirations and efforts are immensely impacted by the encouragement and support they receive from their parents. During the reception, attendees discussed collaborative opportunities and new approaches to motivate students.

One of the many goals of AESA Science Olympiad is to help young, bright Armenian students advance to higher-level science fairs. Each year, more than 1,000 middle and high school Armenian students participate in their school science fairs. About 10% of these students go on to participate in Los Angeles county science fairs, and a smaller percentage to California state science fairs or higher levels of competition. The organization's mentorship and competition programs are aimed at motivating students in science and engineering, enhancing students' self-esteem, developing communication and leadership skills, and providing a platform to seek advice and present ideas to practicing Armenian industrialists, managers, scientists, and engineers.