Another session focused on public speaking, with students giving speeches and learning techniques to combat nervousness. Other events included a study habit session, a warm-clothing drive for a trip to Washington, DC, and a Christmas party com plete with Santa Claus and gifts. Several local businesses gave Kate grants to help fund the program, which was provided at no cost to the children. Kate isn't sure what she'll study yet, but says she'll always participate in community service because it gives her the opportunity to put everything in perspective and not to lose sight of who she really is. She particu larly enjoys working with children.
Nothing is lost to try an idea.
Academic success is great, but it doesn't necessarily bring a person the fulfillment of helping others. They needed a solution to the parasitic mite that was destroying their honeybee colonies in northeast Iowa. Carol, then seventeen, a participant in Intel's Science Talent Search, discovered a new way to combat the Varroa jacobsoni parasite and possibly save the honeybee colonies, which constitute the livelihood of some Iowa families. The mite used to be controlled by a chemical called fluvalinate, but recently developed a resistance to the popular control. Carol investigated fifteen natural and synthetic compounds and discovered the compound perillyl acetate to be the most effective in killing the mite.