COVINGTON, Ga. - Eastside High School student, Sarah Schlueter, will compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair after the junior won the Intel ISEF Award along with multiple other awards at the 2019 Griffin RESA Regional Science Fair.
Schlueter is only the second Newton County School System student to win the prestigious Intel ISEF award and an all-expenses-paid trip. She will join approximately 1,800 high school students from more than 75 countries who are showcasing their independent research and competing for on average $4 million in awards.
The Intel ISEF is the premier global science competition for students in grades nine through 12 and will be held in Phoenix, Arizona on May 12-17.
In addition to the Intel ISES Award, Schlueter not only won first place in her category at the Regional Fair for her project but also brought home the University of Georgia/Griffin Campus Award and the Regeneron Science Talent Search Award.
“I was shocked to win all of the awards,” Schlueter said. She noted she had been working since her freshman year to get her project approved so she could work in an actual research lab. Her project, entitled, “The Effects of Cell-Cell Crosstalk on Glucose Stimulated Insulin Secretion” is near and dear to her heart as Schlueter admitted she has Type I diabetes.
“This project allowed me to work in a research lab,” she said. “I had to contact Georgia Tech and then I met with the CEO of Piedmont Newton Hospital and they were all very helpful. I was allowed to conduct my research in the Piedmont Newton lab.
“It was really nice to be a high school student and work in a fully equipped research lab full of equipment. So while it was cool to get all of the awards, it was also a relief as it proved that all the time I put into this project and the support that everyone provided was worth it. I couldn’t be more excited to go to ISEF!”
“Piedmont Newton was pleased to provide a venue for a rising scientific star like Sarah Schlueter to conduct her outstanding research,” Dr. Eric Bour, CEO of Piedmont Newton Hospital, said. “When she approached us and described her project, we were determined to assist her in finding appropriate lab space to conduct her project. She is well deserving of the award and chance to participate in the next level of competition. We wish her the best of luck in her pursuit!”
Science research is nothing new to Schlueter, who will also participate in the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair as a result of her first place win at the Regional Fair.
“This is actually the fourth year I’ll be going to State since eighth-grade,” she said.
In addition to Schlueter, Newton County School System had more than 30 middle and high school award winners at the 2019 Griffin RESA Regional Science Fair. And just like Schlueter, several students racked up some prestigious awards in addition to their first place award.
Sam Dage from the Newton College & Career Academy won the AMS Materials Award in addition to his first place ribbon. Middle School student Jeremy Mitchell from the Newton County Theme School, brought home multiple awards for his first place project, including the Office of Naval Research/United States Navy & Marine Corps Award and the Broadcom Masters Award. Newton County Theme School student Megan Ellington also earned the Broadcom Masters Award for her first-place project.
The Broadcom Master’s Award is the highest award given to middle school students at the competition. Winners of this award are invited to compete in the Broadcom Masters competition in Washington, D.C.
“The amount of awards earned by Newton County School System’s students at the Regional Science Fair speaks volumes about their talent, as they competed against the best and brightest students from Fayette, Henry, Griffin-Spalding, Butts, Pike, Lamar, and Thomaston Upson county schools,” Samantha Fuhrey, NCSS superintendent, said.
“I am so impressed but definitely not surprised by how successful our students were at the Regional Science Fair,” Fuhrey said. “I know for a fact and have said for years, that Newton County is home to some of the most academically gifted students in the state. Our students continually prove in competitions such as the Regional Science Fair that they can compete with and out-perform the very best students the state of Georgia has to offer. I am so proud of each and every one of our students and wish those moving on to the state and international competitions the very best of luck. I know they will represent their schools and our school system well!”
