Grad climbs to top

OLD TOWN – Barbara St. Peter, a 2005 graduate of Old Town High School, was one of two delegates selected to represent Maine at the National Youth Science Camp from June 30 to July 25.

St. Peter joined 97 other high school graduates from across the country, as well as 10 international delegates, to participate in the prestigious three-week program, now in its 42nd year. The camp, located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, integrates scientific programming with opportunities to explore music, art, and the outdoors.

“The great outdoors program taught me that I could do way more than I thought I could ever do,” St. Peter said. She will study business management and education at the University of Maine this fall.

Delegates were challenged physically and mentally during these outdoor activities.

Each year eminent scientists from various disciplines travel to the camp to present lectures and directed studies. This year’s topics included renewable energy, forensic science, innovations in surgical instrumentation, structural engineering and cancer research.

The directed studies provide extensive “hands-on” experience in specific fields. Delegates had the opportunity to dissect a human hand, build computers, explore a nearby bog or plan a mission to Mars.

Delegates also explored their natural surroundings through hiking, caving, mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking. In addition, seminars ranged from ultimate Frisbee and swing dancing to improvisational performance and discussions of philosophy, science, religion and culture.

Contributions to the National Youth Science Foundation make it possible for all delegates to attend NYSC free.