The Penn-York Section of the American Chemical Society recognized outstanding chemistry students at their recent awards night at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown, N.Y. Pennsylvania students honored, and their schools, were, from left, Camdyn Shaffer, Oswayo Valley; Alexis Kicior, Bradford Area; Jett Finch, Austin Area; Macaibe Splain, Otto-Eldred; Meredith Smyth, Eisenhower (Russell); and Violet Eckels, St. Marys Area.

The Penn-York Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) honored area chemistry students recently at its annual awards night at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.

With more than 155,000 members worldwide, the American Chemical Society is one of the world’s largest scientific societies for chemists, chemical engineers, and related professions. Penn-York is one of the largest geographical sections of the ACS, covering the western Southern Tier of New York and the adjacent area of Pennsylvania.

High school teachers in the Penn-York region were invited to select their outstanding chemistry students. The teachers, students and their families gathered for the dinner event, where they were welcomed by Penn-York Section Chair Alexander Rupprecht, assistant professor of chemistry at St. Bonaventure University. Secretary-Treasurer Charles Brininger, retired professor of chemistry at Jamestown Community College, gave background on the ACS. Councilor Donna Brestensky, assistant professor of chemistry at St. Bonaventure University, presented the awards.

Students from Pennsylvania who were recognized, and their schools, were Violet Eckels, St. Marys Area; Jett Finch, Austin Area; Alexis Kicior, Bradford Area; Camdyn Shaffer, Oswayo Valley; Meredith Smyth, Eisenhower(Russell); and Macaibe Splain, Otto-Eldred.

Students from New York who were recognized, and their schools, were Lucas Glover, Portville; Jacob Kujawa, Springville-Griffith Institute; Eve Kushmaul, Chautauqua Lake; Cassandra Launier, Frewsburg; Savannah Moore, Falconer; Angelica Mullen, Cassadaga Valley; Cyrus Priest, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; and Leah Waite, Forestville.

After receiving their cash award, each youth shared their career aspirations.