Academy of Applied Science: Sparks:2001

Academy of Applied Science
SPARKS:2001

The Future is Theirs
by Joanne Hayes-Rines, Vice President

One by one, students from 57 countries walked into the packed auditorium each bearing their nation's flag. Standing tall, they each reflected the pride they felt being selected to be flag bearer and to represent their country at the 42nd Annual London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF).

LEFT: Dr. Charles Granger (l.) of the University of Missouri, St. Louis, chaperoned the U.S. delegation: Amber Hohl (Central Lee High School, Donnelson, Iowa), Kiani Arkus (Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu, Hi.), Marc Burrell (Nicolet High School, Milwaukee, Wisc.), Alyssa Anderson (LCWM High School, Lake Crystal, Minn.), Philip Kurian (Academic Magnet High School, Charleston, S.C.), Ryan Smith, Central High School, St. Joseph, Mo.), Jesse Levinson (Crystal Springs Uplands Schools, Hillsborough, Calif.), and Francis Song (LaJolla High School, LaJolla, Calif.)

Among the 263 students who participated in this year's program were nine American students who represented the U.S. for their outstanding scientific achievement.

The inspiring flag procession of the 2001 LIYSF Opening Ceremony was followed by equally inspiring remarks.

Sir William Stewart, president of The British Association for the Advance-ment of Science, encouraged the students by emphasizing the rewards they will experience in their careers as scientists. Dr. Robert Rines, president of AAS, urged the attendees to get to know one another as individuals and to use the unique platform of the LIYSF to play a role in creating a planet that knows peace. "None of you has three eyes, or two noses or ears at the backs of your heads," he said. "Recognize your similarities and take the message of peace back to your countries. You could be the one to make the difference. You are the future leaders of the world."

LEFT: Kiani Arkus of Hawaii's Kamehameha Schools radiated a gorgeous smile as she proudly carried the colors of the United States during the opening ceremony of the LIYSF which was held July 25 - August 8, 2001 in London.

During the two-week forum the students attended a variety of seminars and lectures on various scientific disciplines and toured museums and scientific laboratories. All were housed at the Halls of Residence of the University of London, and there was time scheduled for sightseeing, the theater, movies and fun. The U.S. delegation was sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force through programs administered by the Academy of Applied Science.

The cost for each student to participate in this international event was approximately $1500 (US) excluding airfare. The Academy sponsored three students (pictured left) who otherwise would not have been able to attend.

NOTE: In light of the tragedy that befell us on September 11, 2001, programs such as the LIYSF are vitally needed to bridge the gap between what we believe about each other and what is reality. Children have forever been the future but perhaps never has it been so important for them to be introduced to each other, to get to know each other. If you would like to sponsor a worthy international student for the 2002 LIYSF, please contact JSHS Director Doris Cousens at (603) 228-4520. One person can make a differencehelp make that difference a positive experience.