DHS Science and Engineering Team Has Strong Showing at Sectionals

The DHS Science and Engineering Team (WYSE) finished first in the Academic Challenge Sectional Tournament held at Vernon Hills High School on March 14, 2014. Team members compete in two of seven areas related to the field of engineering. The competition is geared to the A.P. level of coursework (i.e. college level).

Several DHS students placed individually in their areas of competition. Ethan Dlugie took gold medals in both of his areas of competition: engineering graphics and physics. High school junior, Michael Malis, placed first in computer science. Michael started competing in WYSE as a sophomore, and his level of proficiency in computer science has grown exponentially. While Malis has taken computer science coursework at DHS, his level of knowledge goes far beyond the curriculum. Graham Ambrose placed 2nd in English, and Dean Li earned silver as well in the area of biology. Rounding out the individual medalists at the sectional were Lauren Smith in chemistry and Jonathon Arbaugh in physics.

To advance to the sectional tournament, the team or individuals have to place at least second in the Regional tournament. While DHS was unable to attend the regional due to weather, the team was allowed to schedule a make-up date. 

At the regional level, Deerfield students were also very successful. Lauren Smith placed first in chemistry. Max Feinberg earned bronze medals in both of his areas, chemistry and mathematics. Because his scores contributed most to the team score, he was named the DHS MVP of the regional tournament. Michael Malis earned gold in computer science, while Ricky Jacobson earned silver in the same area. Just as in the Sectional tournament, Ethan Dlugie placed first in both engineering graphics and physics.  Michael Donovan earned medals in both of his areas: silver in engineering graphics and bronze in English. Jonathon Arbaugh placed second in physics at the regional level.

Other Deerfield High School WYSE competitors did not earn individual medals, but helped in the overall team score. They were: Sammy Cohen, Michael Miller, Eddie Stein, Nathan Weiskirch, and Jonathan Wexler. The Deerfield Team now advances to the state tournament held Thursday, April 10th at the University of Illinois. The DHS WYSE team is coached by Marty Esgar, the A.P. Biology teacher at the school.