March 2013 - Bishop O'Connell High School

Visor March 2013 SpotlightPage 7Spotlight on:Alexa DantzlerMary BarnaEditorO’Connell for the 2013-2014 schoolyear?Prebble: I will be the next President ofThe Academy of the Holy Cross, whichis an all-girls school sponsored by theSisters of the Holy Cross. It is composedof approximately 600 students and islocated in Kensington, Maryland.Visor: So what inspired you to choosethe topic that you researched for yourscience fair project back in freshmanyear?Alexa Danztler: During my freshmanyear of high school at DJO in biologyhonors, we were required to do a sciencefair project. After reading about the toxicchemicals in the environment, I wantedto know if this chemical, known as perc,remains in dry-cleaned clothing after itis dry-cleaned.Visor: What exactly is perc?AD: Perc, used by over 70% of drycleaners across America, is classifiedby the EPA as a probable carcinogenand has been linked to many cancersin animal model studies, and inthe health of dry cleaning workers.Visor: What made you interested incontinuing your research for the projectafter science fair was over?AD: I think it was sheer curiosityand my personal desire to find ananswer to a question I had put somuch effort into researching that Idecided to continue my study of it.Visor: Tell me about the whole processof the research. Was it a good learningexperience for you?AD: The entire research project wassuch an amazing experience. Withresearch, it is all about persistence anddedication to learning the lab techniquesand skills you need to find the answer.Doing research also required me to lookat scientific journals and other sources tolearn what other scientists had studiedin my field. Overall, my research that Icompleted throughout high school waspart of my life. I am sad to be ending myresearch, but I am going to try exploringdifferent fields of science in college, likebiochemistry and molecular biology.Visor: How does it feel to be a finalistout of 1,700 other entrants?AD: It feels great to be one of the40 Finalists. I really could notbelieve that MY research was chosenas some of the best in the nation.Visor: Did you do anything extra toprepare for the Intel Science TalentSearch?AD: Beforehand I reviewed my researchand extra scientific articles I had usedfor the research. I also had to make suremy poster for Public Day was perfect.Visor: What do you hope to do aftergraduating from DJO?AD: After graduating from DJO, I will beattending either Stanford, University ofPennsylvania, or Case Western, as I havegotten offers from these three and others.I will be majoring in biochemistry andpursuing a minor in anthropology.Visor: As anyone can see, all your yearsof hard work have really paid off. Isthere any message or words of adviceyou would give to readers regardingwhat you’ve learned from your academicexperiences?AD: I want readers to know that doingscience doesn’t make you a nerd orweird. In fact, continuing research,especially in high school, can lead toa lot of recognition and opportunities,including finanacial rewards.Visor: Congratulations for allachievements! We all wish you luckas you move onto college in these nextfew months!AD: Thank you so much!Spotlight on:Mrs. PrebbleTrey CarterEditor in ChiefVisor: How long have you been Presidentof Bishop O’Connell High School?Prseident Prebble: Three years.Visor: What was your favorite memoryfrom your three years as President atO’Connell?Prebble: My favorite memory was towitness Superdance. I just think thatit really shows the heart and soul ofO’Connell, how it comes togetheraround a particular cause that has a realpersonal meaning to the school. I tellpeople all the time about Superdance,not because of all the money that weraise, but because to me it is so phenomenalthat it is completely run by thestudents, organized by the students, andthe committees are completely made upof the students. Everything from security,to food, to getting the entertainmentis run by the students and truly showswhat O’Connell students are capableof doing.Visor: What is going to be your newposition, now that you have announcedyour plan not to return to BishopVisor: What was the ultimate “scale -tipper,”in what must have been a difficultchoice for you?Prebble: The Academy of the Holy Crossis located really close to my home sologistically it made sense to me. Also Ibelieve that it is a good time to make themove. I have really loved being part ofthe O’Connell story even though it wasjust for a brief period in time.Visor: What has been your goal overthese past three years?Prebble: It has always been my priorityto work with Dr. Vorbach and the rest ofthe Administration as a team in order tomake the student experience at O’Connellthe best that it possibly can be. I believethat we have done a great job in makingO’Connell a pleasant environment for ourstudents to thrive and work to the best oftheir potential.