Students from Consolidated High School District 230 recently demonstrated their academic talents at the Regional ACES competition, going head-to-head with peers from more than a dozen area high schools.
The Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science, known as ACES, tests students’ knowledge in two subjects of their choice, including biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics, or physics. Competitors show their skills through rigorous written exams, with medals awarded to top individual performers and teams.
Jennifer Pierce, Sandburg High School’s ACES sponsor, said, “The purpose of the competition is to promote academic excellence, particularly in STEM and English disciplines, and to encourage increased student interest in science, engineering, and related academic fields.”
This year’s regional competition included schools from Naperville, Hinsdale, Plainfield, Andrew, Stagg, Sandburg, Universal School, Chicago Christian, Seneca, Timothy Christian, and Islamic Foundation.
The exams are designed by college and university faculty and cover material typically taught in senior high school and freshman college courses. Each multiple-choice test allows students 40 minutes, though the length and difficulty vary depending on the subject.
District 230 students posted impressive results. At Andrew High School, the VJA Varsity team placed third out of six, while the JV team finished second out of four. Individual medalists included Claire Carney, a senior who earned first place in JV Chemistry; George Kavroulakis, a junior who took first in JV Physics; Zachary Orbon, a junior who placed second in JV Physics; James Abraham, a senior who earned first in Varsity Chemistry; and Gabriel Paderon, a sophomore who placed second in Varsity Engineering Graphics.
Sandburg High School also had strong performances. Julia Humilier, a junior, won first place in Varsity Physics. Adrian Kopec, a junior, placed second in Varsity Chemistry, and Chloe McLaughlin, a senior, finished third in Varsity Biology. On the JV side, Nico Vazzana, a senior, earned second place in Physics, and Lina Sabbahi, a junior, placed third in Biology.
Stagg High School students also earned medals. Freshman Jose Romero placed third in JV Biology, while classmate Juleen Fleitas finished second in JV Physics.
The ACES competition offers students recognition for their academic achievements while giving them an opportunity to explore and deepen their interests in science, engineering, and other challenging subjects.
