Everett Young Wins This Year's Scholarship Competition

Fifteen students from high schools throughout the Jackson EMC service area used old-fashioned brainpower to compete in Energy Bowl 2007.

The audience watched in tense silence through the first two rounds as contestants racked up points by correctly answering questions across the spectrum of sciences.

"I felt like I didn't know enough about physics – I'm taking that subject next year – or bugs," said Everett Young of Athens Academy, referring to a 15-point bonus question. In that, he wasn't alone. None of the competitors answered the entomology question correctly.

Everett faced harder questions when he and Benjamin Foster of Dacula High School, Justin Eckelberry of Flowery Branch, Zachary Snyder of Grayson and Joshua Moncada of West Hall were called back for the final round. After reading one question on chemistry to the finalists, emcee Amy Abrahamsen, Science Laboratory Manager for Athens Technical College, said, "I have to admit, even I didn't know the answer to that."

A tie between Everett Young and Justin Eckelberry triggered a sudden-death Lightning Round. Everett slapped the buzzer and answered correctly, earning a $2,000 scholarship for himself, a $1,000 grant for his school, and a spot as one of two Jackson EMC delegates to the Washington D.C. Youth Tour this summer.

Although they were nominated by their teachers and counselors for their accomplishments in science, most of the high school juniors competing are also active in several extracurricular activities, including sports, scouting, Future Business Leaders of America, Habitat for Humanity, and county youth leadership programs.

Jackson EMC awarded each participant with a journal and pen, Jackson EMC embossed CD holder and a $25 Visa gift card. The five finalists also received Palm Zire hand-held personal organizers.

Get more information about the Energy Bowl and all of our youth programs online or by contacting Kay Parks at 706-367-6122 or kparks@jacksonemc.com.