CCHS student attends elite conference with world renowned leaders in field of science

By WENDY SLEDD

Special to Leader-Press

Perhaps you have a Roomba vacuum in your house or know a soldier who has benefited from robotic technology used in the military. CCHS student Mike Bednar got up close and personal with some of the inventors of these high-technology creations during a conference that involved 25 guest speakers several of which were Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science winners.

Bednar, along with 4,500 delegates from across the country, attended the inaugural Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders held in Lowell, Massachusetts after being nominated by American astronaut Buzz Aldrin. He was afforded question and answer time with the guest speakers as well as time for sharing thoughts and ideas with fellow delegates.

“I encourage students to work hard and keep their (grade point) up. A 3.5 or higher (GPA) was required to attend the congress,” the rising high school junior said. “I have been especially interested in technology ever since my mom was a technology integration specialist and she came home every day with lots of neat things to do with technology. Anyone interested in any STEM career should consider attending the congress next year.” 

The congress is an honors-only program for high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.  Information can be found at http://www.scitechleaders.com/.  

Bednar selection to attend the conference was based on Bednar’s academic achievement, leadership potential, and passion for science and technology. He is now a member of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists as well as a member of the Torch and Laurel Honor Society.