After arriving in town as late as 12:30 a.m. Thursday, young science students were welcomed to West Virginia by a lecture and tour at the University of Charleston, foreshadowing the month to come.
The National Youth Science Camp kicked off with an inspiring lecture by Dr. Paul Hill, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and an interactive tour of the UC School of Pharmacy Thursday morning before the students left for Camp Pocahontas, where they will spend the next month.
Drew Gupta, representing West Virginia as a delegate at the camp this year, introduced Hill. He explained Hill's history as a native of Southern West Virginia and interest in science at a young age.
After taking the stage, Hill explained to the students that they are the "brightest minds the country has to offer."
He reminisced about how, at a young age, he would tell people that he wanted to become a scientist because he was "fascinated by the idea that you could take two things and put them together and come up with something entirely different."
He made sure that the students understood the importance of science in our everyday lives.
"From the structure of a living cell to the physics of landing a rover on planet Mars, science is how we understand the universe around us," he told the audience. "You already know that. You already understand just how exciting it is, that's why you're here."
He told the crowd about his involvement in many different aspects of the science world, including his position as chairman and CEO of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, twice appointed by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
He encouraged students to take as many STEM courses in high school as possible, study broadly in the STEM field, work collaboratively to solve problems and take a full course load in college to graduate on time.
"Above all, don't lose the drive that brought you into this room today," he encouraged students. "Keep studying and working to keep your dreams of college and a career alive."
At the beginning of the Thursday morning kickoff, Judge Ronald Pearson, chairman of the National Youth Science Foundation welcomed students and explained to them the way alumni and supporters of the program continue to give back to ensure campers can attend for free.
He made sure they know how hard the National Youth Science Foundation worked to provide them with an experience that they hope the students will enjoy and take with them as they enter the world of science.
Next, UC President Ed Welch welcomed the students to "West by God Virginia."
He boasted of the university's strong science and health preparation programs and the new Russell & Martha Wehrle Innovation Center currently being built. He explained that the university has an emerging emphasis on innovation to inspire creativity in its students that they can then apply to their studies and take into the real world.
Following Hill's remarks, the students toured the UC School of Pharmacy, where they were able to participate in various hands-on activities.
Reach Jennifer Gardner at
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