FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Montgomery, AL – February 28, 2025 – The Alabama Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Paper Reading Competition, held at Troy University in Montgomery on February 27-28. These outstanding high school scholars have demonstrated exceptional scientific research and communication skills, earning scholarships and the opportunity to represent Alabama at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) in Chantilly, Virginia, from April 22-26, 2025.
2025 AJAS Paper Reading Competition Winners:
- 1st Place: Prisha Sharma – Awarded a $2,000 scholarship from JSHS. Prisha will be Oral Presenter #1 at the National JSHS.
- 2nd Place: Aanchal Behara – Awarded a $1,500 scholarship from JSHS. Aanchal will be Oral Presenter #2 at the National JSHS.
- 3rd Place: Ashu Anand – Awarded a $1,000 scholarship from JSHS. Ashu will be Poster Presenter #1 at the National JSHS.
- 4th Place: Manisha Bommu – Awarded a $500 scholarship from the Alabama Academy of Science (AAS). Manisha will be Poster Presenter #2 at the National JSHS.
- 5th Place: Rania Masrit – Rania will be Poster Presenter #3 at the National JSHS.
The Alabama Junior Academy of Science serves as the high school outreach program of the Alabama Academy of Science, engaging 9th-12th grade students in rigorous scientific inquiry and competition. Participation in the AJAS Paper Reading Competition qualifies students to compete in the Alabama Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), which selects the top five students to advance to the National JSHS. The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is a prestigious program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, along with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, offering students scholarships, summer internships, and research opportunities.
The 63rd National JSHS event will take place in Chantilly, VA, near Dulles Airport, with travel fully funded by the national office. Alabama’s top five winners, along with two faculty representatives, will join elite students from across the country in presenting their research at this esteemed national forum.
For more information about the Alabama Junior Academy of Science and the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, visit www.jshs.org.
Media Contact:
Dr. Mark Jones
Director, Alabama Junior Academy of Science
jonesmt@troup.org