Sophomore Eric Jonhson became a two-time champion two weeks ago at the PJAS Region 6 championships at St. Francis University in Loretto, where he earned a first award in category of physics.
Eric qualified to present at the state meet on Monday, May 19.
“I was excited to see my four months of hard work paid off,” Eric said.
The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences (PJAS) is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. Region 6 has a span of 9 counties in PA. This year, 12 schools participated bringing over 70 students.
Eric’s project was Ballistic Analysis: How Fast is a 22- Caliber Bullet? He tested which brand is best and which type.
This isn’t Erics first time winning a first award. Last year, as a freshman, Eric won a first award at both regionals and states.
Eric earned a score of 4.7, which is well over the recommended 4.0 and is nearing that perfect score of 5.0. If he had reach 5.0, he could have earned $50!
Eric credited the experience he gained last year with helping him in this year’s competition.
“I felt it was easier to answer the judge’s questions because I knew what to expect from last year,” he said. “I also knew how to set my presentation to be understood easier by the judges and other competitor’s watching.”
Eric hopes to get first award at states again this year. That meet will take place at Penn State University.
This was the first year that B-A science teacher Ms. Denise Shimel was the full-time sponsor for B-A’s team. She has been participating in the PJAS since 2010 and shared sponsorship with Mr. Jon Goodman until his retirement last year. Ms. Shimel is also a regional Co-Director; she’s been regional Co-Director for two years now.
PJAS has been around since 1934, and their parent group has been around for 100 years! Students can complete projects in as many as 13 categories, and there are 4 major areas- science, computer science, math and engineering!
