Carmona NHS student named 2024 Whiz Bee champion

CARMONA National High School student Jan Patrick Gelasan was named the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (Starbooks) Whiz Bee champion at the 2024 National Youth Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on September 19.

The Starbooks Whiz Bee is the biggest science and mathematics competition that challenges Grade 10 students from Starbooks beneficiary schools in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon and Central Luzon.

Raising the wit of young Caviteños, Gelasan was adjudged as the top scorer among the top five finalists in the final round.

Jan Patrick Gelasan (2nd from right) together with others in the top 5 of the Starbooks Whiz Bee competition receive their medals and prizes during the awarding ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Sept. 19, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOST-STII

The top 50 semi-finalists showed off their quick thinking and analytical skills in answering tricky questions about science and math subjects.

Big prizes were taken home by the top five finalists: Gelasan, Abednego Sucgang (second) from Francisco E. Barzaga Integrated High School, Janna Marianne Sena (third) from Sisters of Mary of Banneux, Stephen Blaize Gabor (fourth) from Pasay City National Science High School, and Princess Hannah Benaloga (fifth) also from Carmona National High School.

«This event is not just a competition but an opportunity to inspire and nurture the next generation in enhancing Scientific and Technological skills,» Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Napoleon Juanillo Jr., officer in charge director of the Department of Science and Technology- Science and Technology Information Institute (DoST-STII), said.

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Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the Whiz Bee offers warm and just competition to foster a passion for knowledge and a deep understanding of science, technology and innovation (STI).

«This moment is a testament to your dedication, strong will, and passion for learning through Starbooks. We eagerly await scientists,