Intel Science Competition Winners Invited to State of the Union Address

Intel Science Competition Winners Invited to State of the Union Address

Bright Young Scientists to Sit with First Lady

• At tonight’s State of the Union address, President and Mrs. Obama will host two of the nation's brightest young scientific minds – one a winner of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2009 and the other a top finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search 2009; both competitions are programs of Society for Science & the Public.
   
• These young scientists are being singled out for their early achievements and their place among the nation's next generation of leaders who will solve the problems of tomorrow.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 27, 2010 – Two young scientists – one a winner of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2009 and the other a top finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search 2009, both programs of Society for Science & the Public – are being recognized by the White House for their scientific achievements and will sit with Michelle Obama at tonight's State of the Union address.

Li Boynton, a high school senior from Houston, was one of the top three winners in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2009 and is a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search 2010. Gabriela Farfan of Madison, Wis., currently a freshman at Stanford University, earned 10th place at the Intel Science Talent Search 2009. Prior to attending the State of the Union address, Li and Gabriela will meet with Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education, and John Holdren, Science and Technology advisor to the president.

Intel Corporation shares President Obama's belief that scientists should be regarded as role models, just as athletes and entertainers are, and that innovation and education are key to a successful future.

At 4 p.m. EST today, Intel – a partner in President Obama's "Educate to Innovate" campaign – and Society for Science & the Public will name 40 high school seniors as finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2010, America's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. The finalists will gather in Washington, D.C. from March 11-16 to compete for $630,000 in awards. The top winner will receive $100,000 from the Intel Foundation.