Greenon Graduate Meets Science Celebs

Jun 14, 10:44 PM

Current Headlines: By Hayley Day Staff Writer

ENON -- How important is it for a future microbiology and biology major to meet five Nobel Prize winners?

To recent Greenon High School graduate and valedictorian Derek Smith, it's not rocket science.

"Science has been something I've always liked to do and this was just another step in the right direction," Smith said.

Smith placed fourth at the Intel International Science Fair in Albuquerque, N.M., with his project on cell and vitamin research. Smith competed with 70 entries from 50 different countries in his microbiology category.

Smith mingled with 49 scientists and five Nobel Prize winners at the fair.

"It's not something you do every day," Smith said.

Chemistry and Physics teacher Mitchell Smith isn't surprised by Smith's success.

"Derek will definitely achieve his goals," Mitchell said. "He can do just about anything."

Smith will attend Ohio State University this fall.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0376 or haday@coxohio.com.

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