Two MMI juniors will attend PA Governor’s School for the Sciences
(Freeland, PA – May 3, 2017) – MMI Preparatory School juniors Gabriella Kupsho and Angelica Alday were recently accepted into this summer’s Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences, which will be held from July 2 through August 5 at Carnegie Mellon University.
The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) is an intense summer enrichment program in which students from across the state take lecture courses in the core subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. In addition, they are expected to participate in their choice of one laboratory course in either biology, chemistry, physics or computer science, and to engage in team research projects in one of the above five major discipline areas. The students also have the opportunity to take elective courses which may vary from year to year, to participate in several field trips and to be further enriched by a distinguished guest lecture series.
Core classes are taught by distinguished faculty from institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University and Robert Morris University. Students begin the day with a four-hour block of instruction in core courses and, after the first week, typically have a problem set due for one of the courses each day of the week. Students are also required to complete one lab course. Labs offered each year include chemistry (organic synthesis), physics (classical mechanics), biology (microbiology and genetics) and programming (graphical user interfaces).
Each group for the team projects consists of an experienced team leader (such as a professor or professional researcher), at least one teaching assistant and a number of students. Teams are responsible for carrying out an experiment from inception to completion and writing a complete report that includes factors such as motivation, methods, results and implications.
Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences typically receives more than 500 applications each year and participants are chosen from a pool of qualified applicants from across the state. A selection panel, comprised of PGSS administration, Carnegie Mellon University faculty and state education officials, convenes to read the applications.
Successful PGSS applicants must be Pennsylvania residents in their junior year of high school. Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic achievement, interest in the sciences and mathematics and a record of pursuing this interest in activities beyond the classroom. The acceptance committee also takes into consideration the opportunities which have been made available to the applicant through their school.
MMI Head of School D. Scott Wiggins said, “I want to congratulate Gabby and Angel on their acceptance into this prestigious program. Selection for this program is incredibly intense and we’re pleased that two of our juniors were admitted.”
Gabriella Kupsho (Left) is the daughter of Dr. Robert and Diane Kupsho of Drums. Angelica Alday (Right) is the daughter of Dr. Senen Alday and Milagros Azcueta-Alday of Mountaintop.
About MMI Preparatory School
For 137 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108.