FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2006

FOR INFORMATION: Cecelia Price, 502/585-3291 or 502/417-7187 (cell) Paula Watkins, St. Francis of Assisi School, 502/459-308

St. Francis Student Only Student in State to Be Chosen as Discovery Channel Young Scientist Finalist

St. Francis of Assisi School (1938 Alfresco Place) 7th-grader Jack Grundy has been chosen from 400 semi-finalists as a finalist in the 2006 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. He is the only student from the state of Kentucky who was chosen for this honor. His winning 6th grade project was, “Are Common Athletic Field Soils Hospitable for Staphylococcus Aureus?” Jack also is the first student from the Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic schools to achieve finalist status.

The 400 semi-finalists are chosen from thousands of winners of 5th-8th grade service-affiliated science fairs throughout the United States. Two other St. Francis students (Erin Olash and Rebecca Clements) joined Jack as semifinalists from the state of Kentucky; there were a total of 5 semi-finalists from the state. Finalists and semi-finalists are chosen on the scientific merit of their work and their ability to communicate the science of their projects.

Jack Grundy will travel to Washington, D.C. in October to compete in the finals. The finals consist of team competitions and oral presentations. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 25.