Two District Students Qualify as Semifinalists for U. S. Physics Team

	Robert Grande (East High School) and Peter Jin (Rustin High School).

Two of the district’s finest physics students – Rob Grande of East High School and Peter Jin of Rustin High School – have been named semifinalists in their quest for placement on the United States Physics Team. The 158 students named from across the nation, have successfully completed two rounds of competition in their journey to participate in the International Physics Olympiad.

Started in Europe in 1965, the International Physics Olympiad Competition has grown to include more than 60 nations, with the United States organizing a team for the first time in 1986. This first team brought home three bronze medals and the United States’ team has since consistently been a top competitor.

According to the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), the mission of the U. S. Physics Team Program is “to promote and demonstrate academic excellence through preparation for and participation in the International Physics Olympiad.” Sponsored by the AAPT and the American Institute of Physics (AIP), high school students undergo a rigorous selection process beginning in January. Students nominated by their teachers were required to take a preliminary screening exam to determine quarter-finalists. Over 400 students across the nation qualified for the quarter-final exam, out of which 158 top scorers were chosen to complete the 3.5 hour semi-final exam in mid March.

Semi-finalists are required to submit letters of recommendation and results of their semi-final exam for a chance to be one of 24 students invited to a training camp at the University of Maryland-College Park in June. There they will receive nine days of intense studying, testing and problem solving, at the end of which only five students will be selected to travel to Vietnam to participate in the International Physics Olympiad this summer.

 

 

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