On Friday, May 31, representatives from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) will be at Power Glen Public School in St. Catharines to present DSBN student Dheiksha Jayasankar with the organization’s Angela award.

The Angela award honors one female student in grades 5–8, who is involved in or has a strong connection to science. The award has been established in honor of Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director Emeritus, of the NSTA. Although Dheiksha currently attends Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in St. Catharines, the award application was made the previous year when she was a Power Glen student.

As the recipient of the Angela award, Dheiksha will receive a $1,000 scholarship to further her growth as a young science leader.

“Dheiksha stands out and embodies the qualities we would like to develop in the next generation of scientists,” says Christine Royce, NSTA President. 

Power Glen Principal Rosemary Findlay says Dheiksha is a true champion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Niagara. “Dheiksha has a real passion for learning and has certainly inspired other students to continue their learning in STEM.”

Dheiksha’s interest in STEM has led her to participate in the World Education Games in 2012 and 2015, becoming the first Canadian to earn two, top 100 finishes. Her recent science projects have explored whether rotten fruit dyes could produce electricity in solar cells and the effects of nanoparticles and antioxidants on enhancing plant growth. For her efforts, Dheiksha has earned four gold medals at the Niagara Region Science and Engineering Fair and two silver medals at the Canada Wide Science Fair.

At the 2019 International Science and Engineering Fair held in Phoenix, Arizona, Dheiksha earned an impressive fourth place in Plant Sciences out of 87 total projects submitted in that category.

“Attaining this honour has taken significant effort on your part and we appreciate your efforts, diligence, and dedication,” adds Royce.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, May 31
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Power Glen Public School, 34 Westland Street, St. Catharines