Several Glasgow Middle School students won prizes for their work in the recent American Chemical Society (ACS) National Chemistry Week 2011 Illustrated Contest, "Chemistry – Our Health, Our Future!" The contest was held at local chapters across the nation October 16-22.

Glasgow Middle student Catherine Zhou won first-place overall for grades 6-8 in the Baton Rouge Chapter of ACS’ contest (pictured with her winning artwork). Her work went on to the national ACS competition held last week in Washington, D.C., where she placed second overall for her grade category.

Other Talented Art Program students from Glasgow also placed in the local competition. They included: sixth grader Bill Long, seventh grader Arthi Nandakumar and eighth grader Lucy Guo.

Chemistry is everywhere and is important to our health. Whether it’s the medicines that make us well, to the hygiene products that keep us clean, and even the vitamins and minerals that supplement our diets. Chemistry is involved in maintaining our health and future. This year’s theme explores these concepts and gives us the opportunity to highlight many achievements in the health field where the transforming power of chemistry is displayed.

National Chemistry Week (NCW) is a community-based annual event that unites ACS local sections, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life.

The American Chemical Society – the world’s largest scientific society – is a non-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.