Marshall Middle School student wins DuPont Challenge science award

Jake Yoshitake, an eighth grader at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Scripps Ranch, has won the grand prize in the DuPont Challenge, which calls on students to research, think critically and write a science essay that provides innovative ideas on our most pressing global challenges and demonstrates the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to our daily lives.

His paper was based on his project submitted to the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. It took a solar tracking unit an attempted to increase efficiency. Jake will also be presenting his Science Fair project at the upcoming State Science Fair competition and the Broadcom competition. 

His prize includes a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond, an all expense-paid Orlando trip in April 2013, and numerous prizes from Encyclopedia Britannica. His paper was based on his Science Fair Project on a solar tracking unit, and an attempt to increase efficiency. Jake will also be presenting his Science Fair project at the upcoming State Science Fair competition and the Broadcom competition.

Jake submitted his paper about three months ago, as did more than 9,000 other students across the United States. Jake's paper was read by scientists, teachers, and members of the business community and has been awarded the grand prize in the junior division (grades 7-9).

Elaine Gillum, Jake's eighth grade science teacher, continually challenges her students to excel in science based activities. Gillum is an advocate for her students and supports them as they reach for new challenges.

For more information about the Thurgood Marshall Middle School Advanced Science program, contact Michelle Irwin, principal at mirwin1@sandi.net or Elaine Gillum at egillum@sandi.net.