Somu places in state chemistry contest

MADISON – Pranav Somu, a seventh-grader at Mill Creek Elementary School, is the state’s second-place winner in “You Be the Chemist Challenge” contest.

Somu advanced to state competition after competing in the local meet at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Jacqueline K. Smith said. Smith works as fifth-grade Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics teacher and Extended Day director at Mill Creek.

UAH and BASF Corporation co-sponsored You Be the Chemist Challenge in Alabama. This interactive academic contest encourages students in grades 5-8 to explore chemistry concepts and their real-world applications, Smith said.

“I am so excited about the BASF and UAH partnership in hosting the ‘Alabama You Be the Chemist’ event. This program is an amazing challenge for young ladies and gentlemen from middle schools in our surrounding communities,” Ginger Sanchez said. Sanchez work as Quality Lab Area Manager at BASF.

Any Mill Creek student was eligible to compete in the contest at the school level. The top two contestants advanced to state competition. Keerthan Singireddy also represented Mill Creek at state.

In winning second place at the state contest, Somu was only one point away from tying for first place, Smith said.

“The judges were impressed by Pranav’s knowledge and the fact that he scored so well competing against seventh- and eighth-grade students. Pranav’s father was excited that he was able to compete in a STEM-based event,” Smith said.

At the contest, students competed in quiz bowls. The challenge assembled various organizations — schools, chemical professionals, educators and community partners — to support STEM education.

Several UAH representatives attended the contest and students had a chance to meet the university personnel. “My students benefited from the contest because of the additional experience with chemistry-based activities. This event will prepare them to excel in middle school science,” Smith said.

“As a teacher, I am extremely proud of Pranav. He spent many hours preparing for both the school and state contest,” Smith said. “He is an exceptional student and also competed with the Greenpower Race Team. Pranav excels because he has a passion for science and is willing to work hard to achieve his goals.”