"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Students Chosen

***"Four Cherokee students from Grove will compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Pictured are (l-r): Molly Steen, Lindsay Stewart, Katie Nix and Carter Londagin."***

GROVE, OK — Determination and a commitment to their educational goals will lead four Grove High School students to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Albuquerque, New Mexico next month.

“The Cherokee Nation is so proud of each of these young Cherokee citizens,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “The knowledge and determination that they have displayed to advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair is inspirational to each of us. I commend these young people and their teacher for their efforts and success.”

ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition and is the only science project competition open to students in the ninth through twelfth grades. Intel ISEF brings together students, teachers, corporate executives and government officials from around the globe. Participating students will compete for over $4 million in scholarships, tuition grants, scientific equipment and scientific trips. Held annually in May, the Grove students will compete with nearly 1,500 other students from 40 nations.

The Grove students entered the Native American Indian Science and Engineering Fair (NAISEF) and were chosen at NASEF to advance to the international competition. Amazingly, this is not a new accomplishment for Grove High School Science teacher, Keli Steen, or her students. This is the third year in a row that Grove students will represent their school, state and tribe at ISEF. Only eight grand award winners are chosen at the NAISEF competition to move forward to the international fair and these young, Cherokee citizens from Grove make up four of the positions.

“NAISEF is always a wonderful and constructive experience, not only for my students, but for me as a teacher,” said Steen. “I’m very grateful that the officials and judges at NAISEF strive to give the participating students a positive experience.”

Steen believes that experience has led to the success of her students.

“In our school system, we require students start participating in science fairs in the fifth grade,” said Steen. “By the time that these students are in high school they have a broader understanding of what a science fair entails. For example, my students have learned to put things in laymen’s terms. Not every judge is going to be an expert on their specific project. Therefore, they have learned to break down their information in a way that anyone can understand and relate to. The science fair is a wonderful learning tool because they teach kids to be great communicators.”

Excited and overwhelmed by the possibilities that surround the ISEF competition each of the four students advancing to the international competition understands the opportunity and honor associated with being chosen.

“I am overwhelmed to have been chosen for the third year to compete at ISEF,” said Lindsay Stewart, Grove High School junior. “I want to represent the Cherokee Nation in an innovative and articulate way. This is such a huge opportunity. I hope to return again next year.”

“I’m proud to represent the Cherokee Nation and my school,” said freshman Carter Londagin. “I was actually surprised that I was chosen to advance because the competition was really tough.”

Katie Nix, a sophomore, has attended the International Science and Engineering Fair before and looks forward to competing in the event again.

“It’s an honor to be able to represent the Cherokee Nation for the second year in a row,” said Nix. “Attending the international fair is an incredible and huge opportunity for me and for the other students from my school.”

“It’s exciting to get this opportunity to represent our tribe,” said Grove senior, Molly Steen. “I look forward to presenting my work to another audience.”

“There are so many people that I want to thank for their support in our scientific endeavors,” said teacher Keli Steen. “The JOM program and the Cherokee Nation council members have been financially supportive to our kids and we appreciate this help so much. Their contribution to our students encourages them to do good work and be competitive. In addition, I so appreciate the support and encouragement that we have received from our superintendent, principal and transportation director. Without the support of each of these individuals and the contributions that they have made to these students we could not move forward in these competitions.”