DCYSC Semifinalist Press Release

Two 2004 Mercer Science and Engineering Fair Winners Are Named Semifinalist to the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge

Sept. 10, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: William Wong President, MSEC

(Trenton, NJ) -- Discovery Communications, Inc. has announced the names of 400 middle school students selected as semifinalists for students in the 2004 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. The nation's premier science contest for students in grades 5-8, the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC) encourages the discovery, exploration and communications of science and to identify and celebrates the innovative scientist of tomorrow. Students are chosen from the initial pool of 75,000 students who entered science fairs nationwide.

We would like to congratulate David Sharples of Chapin School and Zachary Papas from James Alexander Elementary School. Both were named semifinalists for the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. David and James were 18 award winners at the 2004 Mercer Science and Engineering Fair that were able to participate in the DCYSC.

"This year's competition continues the tradition we've established of making science fun for middle school students while cultivating the next generation of American scientists," said Kyle O'Conner, Vice President, Discovery Communications. "What is clear from the quality of the entries this year is that the future of science in the United States is bright. The breadth of knowledge and curiosity demonstrated by the 400 semi-finalist is inspiring."

The countdown to choosing America's top young scientist continues on September 20th when the field is narrowed from 400 semi-finalists to the "Final Forty." These 40 finalist will come to Washington, D.C. on October 23-27, where they will take part in the DCYSC finalist competition at the Cole Field House at the University of Maryland. The finalists will compete in team-based, interactive challenges centered on the theme of Einstein's physics. The students will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."

Science Service administers the DCYSC. One of the most respected non-profit organizations advancing the cause of science, Science Service has a sterling reputation for conducting high quality competitions on the national and international level, including the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

About Discovery
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. DCI has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985.

About the Mercer Science and Engineering Fair
The Mercer Science and Engineering Fair is held annually at Rider University. It is managed by the Mercer Science and Engineering Club and sponsored by local and national companies and educational organizations. The club is currently preparing for the 53rd Mercer Science and Engineering Fair that will be held in March 2005. Middle school winners participate in DCYSC while the grand prize winner of the Senior Division gets to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

For additional information
email webmaster@mercersec.org
or call Bill Wong at (215) 736-2449

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