Region’s top high school chemistry students earn awards at MTSU tournament

Nearly 30 exceptional high school chemistry students from across the region participated in the recent MTSU Department of Chemistry Scholarship Tournament.

Held in the Science Building, the competition recognized 29 outstanding chemistry students from 11 schools in Rutherford and surrounding counties. While on campus, they received an up-close look at the facilities as they consider MTSU as their college choice.

Participants included seniors who had completed a year of chemistry and qualified juniors.

Students came from Central Magnet, Siegel, Rockvale and La Vergne high schools in Rutherford County; Warren County High in McMinnville, Tennessee; Middle College High School (Franklin), Centennial, Independence, Brentwood and Page high schools in Williamson County; and Columbia Central High School.

“The tournament went well,” said Mengliang “Mike” Zhang, assistant professor and 2021 tournament director. “After the exam, the students enjoyed presentations from the interim chemistry chair (Andrienne Friedli), program advising office (Eric Miller), Admissions Office staff and four MTSU students.”

The participants toured the 250,000-square-foot Science Building and then had lunch with Drs. Friedli and Greg Van Patten (former chemistry chair now interim dean for the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.) Van Patten shared remarks and presented the students with their awards at the Nov. 6 event.

Incentives included special awards (scholarships to attend MTSU and cash) to the top three senior finishers — all from Central Magnet — and top junior from the approximately 90-minute exam based on general chemistry that a high school student would have covered.

Central’s Logan Kelley, Hope Clark and Emma Tellez placed first, second and third in the tournament. Kelly received a $2,000 scholarship and $500 cash award. Clark earned a $1,500 scholarship and $300 cash prize, with Tellez receiving a $1,000 scholarship and $100 in cash.

Nathaniel Martinez of Independence High in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, finished as the top junior. He received $100.

Current MTSU students Jared Frazier, Virginia “Ginny” Benefield, Sophia Taylor and Miquellie Bonner led tours for the visitors.

Chemistry is one of 11 College of Basic and Applied Sciences departments.