Published: 5:05 pm April 2, 2024 | Updated: 3:54 pm June 10, 2024
FEU High school participated and battled against ten high schools in Metro Manila in the competition
Chelzea Rein Regala and Reese Lauren Chan, Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand students, ended at Top 12 in the 23rd Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad (PNCO) – National Capital Region (NCR), competing against 45 students from 16 high schools last February 17, 2024. This marks the institution’s debut entry into the finals after only its second participation in the event.
PNCO-NCR is an annual regional Chemistry quiz bee competition organized by the University of the Philippines Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Society. The top scorers during the written elimination round advanced to the final round. Aside from Chelzea and Reese, Divine Lucielle De Guzman also represented the institution in the quiz bee event.
Despite some challenges, Chelzea shared that the team diligently prepared for the Olympiad. They honed their problem-solving abilities through different methods, including familiarizing themselves with previous quiz bee questions. “Our preparation included mock tests, collaborative discussions, and mentorship from our teachers. I recall dedicating countless hours to poring over textbooks and solving intricate chemical equations in the chemistry laboratory during our free time,” Chelzea recounted.
The three participants represent the institution’s top three students who excelled in the elimination round. On the team’s preparation, they shared that juggling their time between competition preparation and other academic subjects was challenging. Aside from time management, they felt pressure representing the school for a regional level competition.
However, they noted that their coaches, Mary Grace Dela Cruz, Lester Dave Pua, Rafael Santos, and Wayne Francis Regis, guided and taught them the topics covered in the competition extensively and motivated them which helped lessen the pressure they felt, to which they feel most thankful for.
“Believing that I have the knowledge and skills in Chemistry, even when I think otherwise, is already something that I am thankful for, but with the time and effort that they have allotted to prepare us is another thing that I must thank them for. Having such teachers who mold academically competent students to compete in prestigious competitions, this attests that FEU High School ensures to provide its students the quality education that they intend to receive as they enroll in the institution,” Divine shared.
Overcoming the pressure and many challenges they experienced, the team was successful as they ended as finalists in the competition.
Though joining for the first time, Reese expressed her gratitude for this feat. “It is my first time to join a national competition because of the opportunity that FEU High School has given me. The environment and community of FEU High School really keeps me motivated to achieve more,” she said.
Reese, Chelzea, and Divine, along with other three Grade 12 STEM students and their coaches, are set to compete in the Ateneo Chemistry Olympiad this April.
For more information, please visit feuhighschool.edu.ph.
