Vincent Massey chemistry students excel in competitions

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This article was published 04/07/2024 (454 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Vincent Massey High School students showcased their chemistry skills recently, achieving top results in the annual University of Waterloo chemistry competition and the Canadian Chemistry Contest.

The online CHEM 13 News Exam, sponsored by the University of Waterloo, is designed for high school students in senior-level chemistry courses.

Competing among 1,834 of the top high school students from Canada, the United States and other countries, four Vincent Massey students achieved distinguished ranks.

David Afolami, who will be entering Grade 12 in September, placed in the top eight per cent in North America and the top 13 per cent globally. New grads Danyal Mehdi and Lauren Gustafson also shone brightly, with Mehdi scoring in the top 10 per cent in North America and the top 16 per cent worldwide. Gustafson, along with John Sui, earned certificates of distinction for securing positions in the top 20 per cent of exam takers in Canada.

Afolami expressed pride in his achievement.

“Ranking in the top eight per cent with students from around the world is a significant accomplishment for me,” he told the Sun. “It’s a benchmark that motivates me to aim even higher next year.”

Reflecting on his performance, he said, “I could have done better if I studied more, but some things were out of my control due to differences in curriculum. Nevertheless, this achievement sets a high standard for me, and I look forward to improving next year.”

Afolami plans to pursue engineering after graduation, with aspirations to attend the University of Waterloo or the University of Alberta.

Mehdi attributed his success to diligent study despite a full schedule of advanced placement exams.

“It was a bit hectic with three AP courses and four exams, but staying focused and not wasting time was crucial,” he said. “If you put in a little bit of effort, you can achieve great results. Even though the timing of the exam was tough, it was worth it.”

He also highlighted the role of his teachers and friends in his success.

“Having someone like Ms. Paramba constantly encouraging us to study helped. My friends and I pushed each other to stay focused and committed,” he told the Sun. “I believe participating in contests like the CHEM 13 News Exam helps students grow and improve their skills, even if they don’t always achieve the desired results.”

Mehdi will be starting his bachelor of science degree at Brandon University.

Gustafson described the experience as both fun and stressful.

“I wasn’t expecting to do that well, so it was a proud moment for me,” she said. “I’ve always liked chemistry, but this achievement meant a lot to me. It was a validation of my hard work.”

She credited her success to a supportive family background, noting that her father, the superintendent of Brandon School Division, and her two older siblings, who took the same courses, were particularly proud of her accomplishments.

“This was my achievement, separate from what my siblings did. It was a big moment for me,” she added.

Gustafson plans to pursue a bachelor of arts in linguistics at the University of Manitoba, with aspirations of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

The Canadian Chemistry Contest, sponsored by the Chemical Institute of Canada, also saw Vincent Massey students perform admirably.

The contest fosters an appreciation of chemistry as a career and promotes national excellence at the high school level. Afolami and Gustafson secured 10th and 11th ranks, respectively, in the Prairies region.

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