The LIST is out...

and RYAN's NAME is on it!!!

The LIST in question is none other than the SSP (Society for Science & the Public) Middle School Program Semifinalist List. We have been waiting ALL summer for this list, ever since the FIRST week of June when Ryan registered for the National Science Fair. In SIMPLE English this means that... Ryan has been CHOSEN as ONE of the TOP 300 Semifinalists in the National Science Fair Competition. There were 7,500 State Finalist nominated through out the NATION, with only 1,943 who actually registered. Today, the top 300 Semifinalists were announced. CLICK to see Ryan's name for yourself.

It all started last December, when Ryan had an ASSIGNMENT in Science, otherwise known as the "Dreaded Science Fair Project." He kept the teachers GUESSING if he even had a project because, although he completed the step by step project at HOME, he would continually forget to turn it in at SCHOOL. Nevertheless, on the due date HE showed up with an AWESOME project on Smoke Detection, that must have really IMPRESSED the teachers because they awarded him 4th place out of the entire 7th grade. Little did we KNOW that this was only the beginning of our surprise and AMAZEMENT as Ryan began traveling this unknown road "To the Science Fair", which has actually turned out to be a FUN, fast roller coaster ride.

On December 15, 2007, Ryan competed on the School District Level and was NAMED one of the top 20 finalist (out of about 120 projects.) In February 2008, Ryan competed on the Central UTAH State Level at BYU with 7th/8th grade students (junior level) from 5 school districts. The projects were JUDGED in 12 different categories. Ryan's project WAS in the Chemistry & Biochemistry category, which was the LARGEST having over 40 projects in two rooms. The competition took MOST of the DAY, which was fine with RYAN because his project was placed in a CORNER, surrounded by cute, giggly GIRLS. Later that night, we were so HAPPY and surprised when Ryan received 2nd place in his category. In our EXCITEMENT, we left the awards ceremony early to celebrate with ICE CREAM (to our credit the awards ceremony had already run for OVER an hour and the senior division hadn't even started.) We had no IDEA that there were MORE junior awards to come, "The Grand Awards", and that Ryan would WIN them all.

Here is a list of the AWARDS Ryan has collected...

1. 7TH GRADE SCHOOL: 4th place all around (certificate)
2. DISTRICT LEVEL: Top 20 finalist (medal & certificate)
3. STATE LEVEL:

• 2nd Place in Chemistry/Biochemistry (trophy & certificate)
• Top 20 finalist overall - Nominated for Nationals (certificate)
• Grand Champion - Top 6 Finalist ($80 & trophy & $50 for his teacher)
• 1 yr Scholarship to College of Eastern Utah (CEU)

NATIONAL LEVEL: Top 300 Semifinalist

The competion is FAR from over. Ryan is currently COMPETING with the top 300 students (5th-8th grade) from all over the United States. On September 17th, another LIST will announce the top 30 finalists, who will RECEIVE an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a four day EVENT to be held in October 2008. These finalists will compete for OVER $40,000 in scholarships.

We are so PROUD of Ryan and the hard WORK and dedication it has taken to achieve this SUCCESS. As parents, it has been rewarding to see him GROW and learn and to watch his confidence SOAR. This experience has taught him that it's OK to want more than an "A" on an assignment.

So, in the END, Ryan agrees that (besides the cash) the BEST award by far is the 1 year SCHOLARSHIP to CEU. Three local universities came to the STATE competition and awarded scholarships. Both BYU and UVU awarded 1 scholarship each, but ONLY to a High School Senior. CEU awarded 6 scholarships, 1 for EACH grade level 7th-12th. Ryan was CHOSEN to receive the only scholarship FOR the 7th graders. This is absolutely AMAZING since there were over 150 7th graders. Winning THIS scholarship has GIVEN Ryan a goal, a PLAN, a direction. Now, WHEN he graduates from high school, he has a COLLEGE who will PAY for him to attend THEIR school. WOW, I mean really... How many 7th graders do you know that already have a College Scholarship?

Well... NOW you know ONE!!