Local School and Educator Win Top Honors in Science Competition

EULESS, Texas, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Even though Harmony Science Academy – Euless has only been open for one year, it seems like it is already living up to its stated mission of excellence in science and education. The most recent example of this came Monday, May 10th when the school was selected as the 2010 Best School by the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair.  In addition, Dean of Academics and 8th grade science teacher Mr. Mehmet Basoglu was chosen as the 2010 Teacher of the Year by the same organization.

"It is a great honor to be chosen to receive the 2010 FWRSEF's Best Teacher award," said Mr. Mehmet when asked about being named as Best Teacher. He continued, "this award not only brings me honor and happiness, but also encourages me to work even harder in future. I would like to thank our students, parents, and teachers for all their hard work and dedication. I would also like to thank our school administration for their continuing support."

The Fort Worth Science and Engineering Fair, which is in its 56th year, is an organization dedicated to promoting science and engineering competition among area students and allows them to share their science abilities with one another and the public.

The award was given to HSA – Euless and Mr. Mehmet after students competed in the fair on in late February.  Thirty-four middle school students presented projects and six students advanced to the Exxon-Mobile Texas Science and Engineering Fair in San Antonio.  Zachary Taqi, a 6th grade student, earned second place for his entry in the computer science category at the state competition.

When asked about his second place finish at the state science fair Taqi exclaimed, "It felt great.  After working so hard, I was glad I did well.  Thank God!"

Two other students who competed at the Fort Worth Regional Science Fair re-entered their projects in the I-SWEEEP competition, the International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering, and Environment) Project Olympiad.  For their efforts, Aneesha Puppala, a 7th grader, placed third and 8th grader Shruti Kumar earned an honorable mention.

"We feel really fortunate to have had the success we have had this year.  Our success has only been possible through the hard work of a very dedicated staff, committed and talented students, and great parents," explained Principal Murat Kaya when asked how he felt about the success of HSA – Euless's first year in competition. "I feel that we are off to a fantastic start!"

The Fort Worth Regional Science Fair Best School and Best Teacher award will be presented to Harmony Science Academy – Euless's principal Mr. Kaya and Mr. Basoglu during an award ceremony sponsored by the University of Texas – Arlington Bioengineering department on May 19th, 2010 at 6:00 pm.

SOURCE Harmony Science Academy - Euless, TX