Published: May 03, 2009 08:58 pm      

Ready for nationals

Cody Crow from wins state chemistry competition

DUNCAN — Although only in seventh-grade, Cody Crow knows his chemistry.

Crow, who attends Comanche Middle School, won the state “You Be the Chemist” competition April 25 in Oklahoma City, after having been victorious in the regional contest in Duncan. He will compete in the national competition in June in Philadelphia, Pa.

“It feels like an honor to win this,” Crow said. “I’m excited about it. I’m kind of relieved, too.”

The “You Be the Chemist” program is aimed at encouraging students to consider chemistry or engineering as a job prospects. In addition to Crow, Hayden Poff of Comanche, and Kevin Roddy and Sam Allen, both of Duncan, competed in the state contest.

To get ready for the state competition, Crow studied several chemistry books and the contest study guide. His father, Brent Crow, who is the principal of CMS, said several teachers also helped prepare the Comanche students, who were competing.

“Mr. (Kenny) Hines helped me a lot,” Cody Crow said.

He said it might have taken a lot of studying, but the experience has been positive. From the chemistry books and his teachers, he has learned more about how the world works.

“I spent quite a bit of time studying,” he said. “I really enjoy it. A lot of it applies to everyday life.

“It’s good to understand.”

Crow said the national competition, which will be spread over a two-day period, will be more difficult than the state contest, which in turn was more difficult than regionals.

He said he’s ready for the national competition, although he is a bit nervous because of it.

“I’m really anxious,” Crow said. “It’s really advanced chemistry I’m going to have to study for.”

He said he’s still surprised he did as well as he did in the state competition, especially since he hasn’t had many classes that have focused on chemistry. Currently, he has an earth science class that has introduced him to some chemistry.

Regardless, much of his chemistry knowledge has been obtained through studying chemistry books.

“It’s kind of shocking,” Crow said. “It’s hard to describe.”

Brent Crow said he’s proud of his son and expects him to do well in the national contest. “He’ll represent us well,” Crow said.