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Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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Roth earns yet another national science award
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · August 03, 2012
West Branch High School’s Justin Roth, who already earned multiple science honors and awards, added to that list in July with another national science award.
Roth, who is going into his junior year in August, on July 19 received the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation’s Life Sciences Student Award -- one of only two given in the nation.
“This is a huge honor,” Roth said. “I was glad when we found out.”
“We” refers to his family and Learning Without Limits sponsor Hector Ibarra, who helped Roth apply for the recognition. His parents are Brian and Paige Roth.
The award was presented July 19 at the Fifth Annual Life Sciences Awards in Washington D.C. and comes with $1,000 in prize money. It is co-sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and recognizes “Americans who exemplify excellence in life sciences.”
Two awards were given to adults — a Distinguished Life Science Award and a Life Sciences Educator Award — and two went to students.
“Four exceptional people are being honored here today,” Dr. Maria Lombardo, chair of the Foundation, said at the ceremony. “Each has made a unique contribution to the world. Addressing topics and concerns that affect people in their communities and worldwide, we applaud their forethought, hard work and dedication.”
According to the Foundation, Roth’s personal interest in science, leadership in the community and extra-curricular activities earned him the award. The Foundation listed several things:
• Taking accelerated math and science classes since elementary school
• Joining Learning Without Limits in middle school
• Introducing three ordinances to the city council and three bills to the Iowa Legislature (with one bill getting passed)
• Energy savings amounting to $10,000 at WBHS based on recommendations by a science club team with which Roth was a member
• Helping establish the Hope Closet at Bethany Lutheran Church
• Volunteering to package food shipments with Kids Against Hunger
• Playing football and wrestling and participating in marching, concert, jazz and show choir bands.
Roth said that winning this award felt different because it looked collectively at his life, rather than a particular project.
“Justin’s projects have impacted society in his community and the world,” Ibarra wrote when nominating Roth and listing his problem-solving research on mercury in CFLs and thermostats, lead in wheel weights and sinkers (fishing), inefficient fluorescent bulbs, energy drinks and young teens, energy-savings ideas for the high school and local homes.
Ibarra said Roth and the teams with which he worked have increased public awareness about various issues, changed minds and changed practices.
Ibarra also listed several other awards Roth has earned through his scientific endeavors, including national awards from Siemens, Lexus, eCybermission and Christopher Columbus.
Ibarra, who retired after 30 years at West Branch Middle School, noted that Roth also tutors algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, chemistry, and biology.
“Justin freely gives of his time to help students, both youth and adult, who are having difficulty in their classes,” Ibarra wrote. “He consistently makes himself available to help people with their classes, free of charge.” |
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