Computational Expo 1st Place in 2002!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

May 4, 2002 Huntsville, Alabama

<DIV align=center>Bulldogs Amazing at EXPO 2002

     The Computational EXPO 2002 was held at the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) campus on Saturday (May 5, 2001).  The competition involved more than two hundred students from throughout Alabama who submit research projects, create web pages, write essays and take standardized tests.  Some participating schools included the Alabama School of Math & Science, Anniston, Arab, Bob Jones, Central, East Limestone, Guntersville, Hazel Green, Oneonta, Sparkman, Sumter County and UMS-Wright.  Professors, NASA scientists, and engineers evaluated  80 submitted projects over the 4 weeks prior to the competition, evaluated presentations by these teams and interviewed team members to identify top 15 Projects for Awards (consisting of plaques and cash).  Computational Science Faculty evaluate the Web Page Awards and provide a rigorous standardized Computational Sciences Test to all students.  UAH English faculty evaluate student essays.
     In Division II (pre_calculus level programming) UMS_Wright won four of the top five awards:
1st Place: Matt Meduna, Larry Hu, Michael Owens with 

“Stoichiometry Made Simple”

3rd Place: Adam Georgas, Matt Meduna, Larry Hu with

“Computer Modeling: A Real Time 3-Dimensional Java Based Organic Molecule Viewer”

4th Place: Travis Harris, Vanessa Moore, Dima Zakharov with 

“Projectile Motion Predictor”

5th Place: Luke Burgess, Grace Burgess with 

“Plasma Discharge”

     In Division I (spreadsheet modeling) UMS_Wright students won the top three awards:
1st Place: Michael Ownes, Jeb Bailey with 

“Pneumatic Projectile Launcher”

2nd Place: Richard Friedman, Jay Patel, Brandon Davis with 

“Missile Motion”

3rd Place: Brantley Beaird, Luke Burgess.  Michael Owens with 

“Changing Mass Atwood”

     UMS-Wright student Web Pages First Place went to Vanessa Moore, Dima Zakharov and Travis Harris.  Second Place went to Michael Owens and Jeb Bailey.  Third place among web pages was posted by Adam Georgas, Matt Meduna and Larry Hu.

Jeb Bailey won the DeltaComm Essay Award and Vannesa Moore was identified as a runner-up essay award winner.</DIV><DIV align=left> In the computational science exam Richard Friedman, Vanessa Moore, Jay Patel & Michael Owens were identified among the top 15 scores.

In an amazing performance every UMS_Wright ASPIRE competitor came away from the fierce competition with at least one project award. Bulldogs swept both the student Web Page competition and the high school Essay contest. UMS-Wright students also posted 4 of the 15 highest scores on the computational test. Bulldogs won 1^st place in 2 of the 3 divisions, took 3 of the top five awards in Division I and won 4 of the top five awards in Division II. Twelve of the top twenty awards went to UMS-Wright Preparatory School.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Ms. Jane Williams, Academic Dean

Dr. Tim Burgess, Science Chair

Dr. Tony Havard, Headmaster

UMS-Wright Preparatory School

334-479-6551 Fax: 334-470-9050

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Auburn Science Competition Winners 2002!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

Ms.  Jane Williams, Academic Dean

Dr. Tim Burgess, Chair of Science Department

UMS-Wright Preparatory School

334-479-6551 Ext 152   Fax: 334-470-9050

April 4, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chemistry & Physics Invitational Won by Bulldogs

Thursday April 11, 2002 

Auburn University, AL—

       Sixteen high school teams were selected to participate in the “Auburn University Chemistry and Physics Invitational” held at Auburn University on Thursday April 11, 2002.  Marllin Simon, the event director, indicated that they invited schools considered to have science students especially prepared for such an event.  The competition consisted of student teams responding (as a team) to 15 timed questions each in Chemistry and Physics.  Division I teams consisted of all schools graduating less than 200 students per year (including magnet schools).  UMS-Wright was narrowly pushed from 1st Place by state residential magnet “Alabama School of Fine Arts,”  John T.  Morgan Academy won 3rd Place and Trinity Presbyterian took 4th Place.

       UMS-Wright students Hunter Shain, Brantley Beaird, Michael Owens and Luke Burgess led the Bulldogs to a 2nd Place finish.  UMS-Wright has now won a 2nd Place or higher for four consecutive years at the Auburn Invitational competition.  It was also noted that the team scored a perfect 15 out of 15 in the Chemistry questions.  Alternate team members consisting of Vanessa Moore, Jeb Bailey and Dima Zakharov also took part in the competition by completing another school team.

Dr. Burgess, Chair of Science, recognized that “the level of science knowledge in two very rigorous disciplines were clearly tested in this competition.  The UMS-Wright students showed superior mastery over a wide range of topics.  Such mastery only comes with dedication and genuine achievement.”

http://umswscience.50megs.com/AWACPI02.html

http://umswscience.50megs.com/AWACPI02.html

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Chess Team Wins in 2002!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

2001-2002 UMS-Wright Chess Team March 22, 2002

UMS-Wright took home trophies never won by UMS-Wright Thursday evening at the 6th and final round of the Regional Scholastic Chess League. The C-Team won a second place trophy and maintained an undefeated season. The B-Team won a third place trophy. Michael Owens won a coveted “Top Board Award” as the second highest rated player in the region among more than 290 tournament players.

          The team posted a total team match record of 14 - 4. The C-Team went undefeated.

UMS-Wright Players played 90 individual games under tournament pressure. The UMS-Wright players posted a individual game record of 56½ - 33½.

RANK NAME MEET BNS GMS WINS RATING

1. Michael "Jester" Owens 56 12 324 207.0 7371.92

2. Matt "Master" Meduna 75 15 277 201.5 7212.46

3. Luke "Cool Hand" Burgess 84 24 471 285.0 7150.92

4. David "Evil Jacket" Coats 31 6 131 51.5 6801.83

5. Andrew "Mini" MacRae 49 10 119 58.5 6611.68

6. C.J. "Iron Chef" McMillian 47 14 134 54.0 5931.85

7. Beko Binder 21 6 37 8.0 5811.29

8. Ian MacRae 27 5 55 28.5 5734.52

9. Larry Hu 26 5 74 19.0 4820.15

10. Kenny McElhaney 43 11 140 39.0 4687.82

11. Addison Giannini 14 5 33 8.5 3013.27

12. Konstantin Wertelecki 7 2 23 1.0 2317.73

13. Jeb Bailey 22 4 54 20.0 597.13

14. Lane Elmore 43 9 179 73.0 431.61

15. Will Clark 30 8 106 49.0 141.78

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Physics Team Three-peats 1st Place 2002!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge 

and prodding with so many wonderful memories!

University of Alabama High School Physics Competition
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
February 1, 2002

UMS-Wright Preparatory School placed two teams among the top three teams for a third consecutive year at the 26th Annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest on Friday, February 1, 2002  in Tuscaloosa, Alabama..  More than 25 schools, sixty teams and 240 of the best Physics students from three southeastern states participated.  The competition was fierce and the UMS-Wright A-Team remained in a dead tie for first with the Mississippi School of Math and Science through 16 rounds until a final "overtime round".
During the regular competitive rounds one table captain gave a wrong question to one of the 60 teams.  The score for this round was subtracted and an over-time round replaced this score.  An overall tie for first place with the Mississippi School of Math and Science was narrowly missed by one question.  Only 1 point separated UMS-Wright from a 1st Place finish in the regular school division.
The UMS-Wright Physics A-Team won 2nd Place and the B-Team won 3rd Place at the 26th Annual Alabama High School Physics Competition. Perfect performances were scored by Michael Owens, Brantley Beaird and Dima Zakharov. The A Team included Brantley Beaird, Michael Owens, Hunter Shain and Larry Hu. The B-Team competitors included Luke Burgess, Adam Georgas, Matt Meduna and Dima Zakharov.
Top 25%:       Luke Burgess, Adam Georgas, Dima Zakharov
Matt Meduna, Larry Hu, Richard Friedman

UMS-Wright students also collected a number of individual awards.  Michael Owens (a junior) won the individual 6th place while Hunter Shain and Brantley Beaird also finished among the top 10% of the physics student competitors.
Dr. Tim Burgess, observed  “The team this year scored enough points during the regular rounds of the competition to win first among all schools.  It is difficult to accept falling short of 1st Place by a single point in an overtime round.  I am proud of the effort and skills displayed by our teams.  It is a tremendous accomplishment for any school to finish among the top three schools for four consecutive years as our UMS-Wright students have.  These students deserve many kudos.”

Left Picture: UMS-W Physics A-Team just before Physics Contest
     Larry Hu, Michael Owens, Brantley Beaird, Hunter Shain
Right Picture: UMS-W Physics B-Team just before Physics Contest

Results:
UMS-Wright A-Team Members:

Hunter Shain, Brantley Beaird, Michael Owens, Larry Hu

UMS-Wright B-Team Members:

Luke Burgess, Adam Georgas, Matt Meduan, Dima Zakharov

Alternates: Jeb Bailey

Individual Awards:

Tied for 6^th: Michael Owens (Junior)

Top 10%: Brantley Beaird, Hunter Shain, Michael Owens

Sponsor: Dr. Tim Burgess

Notes (score as of day of competition):

1^st: Randolph High (61)

2^nd UMS-W A (60)

3^rd UMS-W  B (53)

8^th McGill-Toolen (32)

Overall 1^st: Mississippi School of Math & Science (65)

Student Selected for MIT Physics Honors 2001!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

Student Wins and is Honored at MIT

August 29, 2001

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

       Alex Moore, a Mobile area student (and UMS-Wright Preparatory graduate) was admitted into the Honors Physics program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT is a highly selective university that has world wide reputation for providing a superior science and technology related education. A limited number of the freshman class at MIT are admitted into this highly selective Honors program annually. The program is designed to bring together (into a single class) some of the most promising students at the university.

       Selection required that the applicants (all members of the MIT freshman class) take a competitive Physics Exam. The competitive testing was provided to 111 aspiring freshman on August 22, 2001. The following week Alex Moore was notified he was selected as one of the 17 students in the program.

       Dr. Burgess, Chair of the UMS-Wright Science Department, said “It was certainly common knowledge at our school that Alex was a special student. Evidence now indicates that MIT agrees with our assessment. We were very fortunate to have a student like Alex with us at this school. His influence on the science department will remain for many years to come.”

UMS-Wright Preparatory School

65 N. Mobile St.

Mobile, Alabama 36607

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Tim Burgess, Science Department Chair

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something

I did from early on in my career.
I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.
Some of the fun I have had as a teacher is here!
https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html






“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence 

that I wanted to implement if able to.
It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!
https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Chess Team Winners 2001!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Ms. Jane Williams, Academic Dean
Dr. Tim Burgess, Science Chair
Dr. Tony Havard, Headmaster
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
334-479-6551       Fax: 334-470-9050

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE`
March 9, 2001
Bulldogs Win in Regional Chess League 

       The UMS-Wright Chess Team finished regional South Alabama Scholastic Chess League tournament play at McGill-Toolen on Thursday March 8th. 2001.  The bulldogs finished with  a sweeping  match victory by the A-Team, B-Team and C-Team.  

       Wins on the A-Team were posted by Matt “Master” Meduna,  James “Strangler” Saad, “Cool Hand” Luke Burgess, Brent “Viper” Vegliacich.  Wins were  also posted by Lane Elmore, CJ McMillian, Andrew MacRae, Will Clark, Kenny McElhaney, Hunter Elmore, David Coates, Grace Burgess, Larry Hu and Brantley Beaird.

       The UMS-Wright A-Team  finished 4th  among 23 schools and all 69 teams during the 2000-2001 school year.  The UMS-Wright B-Team finished 2nd  among all B-Teams.  During  the season UMS-Wright won 14 of 18 team  matches against other schools.  UMS-Wright has accepted an invitation to compete in the state team chess tournament in April.

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!
https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Physics Competition Win 2001!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge 

and prodding with so many wonderful memories!

UMS-Wright Wins 1st & 2nd

at Alabama High School Physics Contest 2001!

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, February 2, 2001

    UMS-Wright students  won 1st & 2nd place in the regular school division at the 25th Annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest held  at the Ferguson Center on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Three hundred forty students on more than forty teams (twenty different schools) participated.      The prestigious University of Alabama High School Contest attracted outstanding teams of students from outstanding Physics programs in  Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee this year.  

The UMS-Wright A-Team won 1st in the regular school division.  Members of the team  included Hunter Shain, James Saad, Alex Moore and Will Moseley.  The  UMS-Wright B-Team won 2nd in the regular school division.   Members of the B-Team included Brantley Beaird, Brandon Pontius, Logan Gewin and Larry Hu.  The scores for both teams far outstripped regular schools.  The UMS-W A-Team outscored the highest schools in the Math & Science Magnet School Division. [Only the Homewood High School team scored higher that the UMS-Wright A-Team.]

   Alex Moore of UMS-Wright was recognized for obtaining the third highest individual score at the competition. 

   Dr. Tim Burgess, observed  “Clearly the senior class has established a new UMS-Wright tradition.  They have placed in this prestigious competition as members of the A-Team each of  the last three  years.   It is a credit to both their talent and work ethic.“

SHORT PROSE VERSION

     The UMS-Wright stunned more than 39 Physics Teams from Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee at the prestigious 25th Annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest on Friday, February 2nd

     The UMS-Wright A-Team manned by Hunter Shain, James Saad, Alex Moore and Will Moseley finished in 1st Place.  The UMS-Wright B-Team of  Brantley Beaird, Brandon Pontius, Logan Gewin and Larry Hu won 2nd Place decisively with a 40% margin of victory over the next highest team.  The points acquired by both UMS-Wright Teams outstripped even the highest scoring teams in the Math & Science Magnet School division.

     This year marked the third consecutive year that UMS-Wright has taken third place or higher at this prestigious competition.  UMS-Wright has won the 1st Place Team Award for two consecutive years.  Alex Moore posted a 3rd place individual performance among 340 participants.

UMS-Wright A-Team Members:

Hunter Shain, James Saad, Alex Moore, Will Moseley

UMS-Wright B-Team Members:

Brantley Beaird, Brandon Pontius, Logan Gewin, Larry Hu

Alternate: Luke Burgess

Individual Awards:

Tied for 3rd Alex Moore