August 6, 2008

Rutland Senior Graduate Takes on the World’s Best Scientific Minds in India

KELOWNA, BC:  Travelling to Mumbai, India this summer, Sam Makarenko, one of Rutland Senior’s outstanding students and a recent graduate, competed at the 19th Annual International Biology Olympiad winning a bronze medal.  She placed 81st out of 220 young competitors from 55 different countries.  Her efforts placed her in the top 37 percent.

“I was pretty excited and am completely satisfied with my results,” says Makarenko of weeklong competition that began on July 13.  “It was an amazing experience!  The tests were insanely hard but I felt pretty well prepared.  I did considerably better on the practical tests than the theoretical tests.  My practical score was up there with the gold and high silver winners' practical scores!!”

The Canadian team included four students from across the country.  Makarenko notes that the Canadian team fared better than it has in the previous 18 years of the Olympiad; their four-person team won two silver and two bronze medals.  “Our top placer was 24th – that’s only one place away from a gold medal!”

The experience of eating breakfast in a hall where at least 15 different languages were being spoken was memorable.  In this unique environment, she made friends with people from India, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, USA, the Netherlands and the UK. 

“This experience is one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I feel so privileged to have been able to represent Canada and my province, city and school.  Thank you for all of your support.  I would specifically like to thank Rutland Senior Secondary School as well as Central Okanagan School District 23 for their financial support, which provided me the opportunity to get there!  I would also like to thank Ron Cannan for pins and tradeable items, Mr. Alexander [Vice-principal at Rutland Senior] for his amazing support, Mr. Cunnian for teaching me all I need to know to get there, and to everyone else including my family, friends, and previous teachers who have impacted, supported, encouraged and believed in me for many years…thank you so much!”

(Photos below.  Higher resolution images available upon request.)

Approved by the Superintendent August 6, 2008

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For comments, please contact:

Moyra Baxter, Chairperson of the Board (250) 767-6153

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

Curtis Schreiber, Principal, Rutland Senior Secondary (250) 765-1407

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284