News Summary
Eight high school students from Georgia and South Carolina have been awarded scholarships by the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) for their exceptional essays on various nuclear topics. The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,000, were part of the 19th annual CNTA Essay Contest, which encourages informed discussion about nuclear technology. Topics included nuclear deterrence, medical applications, and spent nuclear fuel management. The winners will be honored at a CNTA event later this year, fostering community awareness around nuclear issues.
Aiken, South Carolina – Eight high school students from Georgia and South Carolina have been awarded scholarships by the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) for their exceptional essays on various nuclear topics. These scholarships, which range from $500 to $1,000, were part of the 19th annual CNTA Essay Contest aimed at encouraging informed discussion about nuclear technology.
The contest featured a variety of topics, prompting students to delve into critical issues such as the benefits and drawbacks of a central interim repository for spent nuclear fuel in the United States, the impact of nuclear technology in medicine, and the significance of nuclear deterrence in national security. Each participating student submitted essays between 1,000 to 1,500 words in length.
The scholarship winners are as follows:
- $1,000 winners:
- Jordan Boyle, Lake City High School for “The Role of Nuclear Deterrence in Ensuring United States Security.”
- Wyatt Carnes, Aiken Scholars Academy for “Analysis of Various Nuclear Technologies in the Medical Industry.”
- Blake Sommers, Greenbriar High School for “Nuclear Radioisotopes: A Medical Perspective.”
- $750 winners:
- Tripp Moyer, Midland Valley High School for “Deterrence Defined: US Security in the Modern Era.”
- Rhianna Waltower, Hephzibah High School for “Beyond the Reactor: Spent Fuel Management.”
- $500 winners:
- Jaxon Green, Academy of Richmond County for “Nuclear Power: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility for Tomorrow’s Energy Needs.”
- Coralyn Cairns, Lakeside High School for “Nuclear Deterrence and Its Role in Modern Day America.”
- Megan Arnold, North Augusta High School for “Spent Nuclear Fuel.”
Hamilton Molnar, a representative from CNTA, praised the students for their thoughtful insights and contributions to the topic of nuclear energy and safety, particularly noting three awardees who were recognized for their essays addressing spent nuclear fuel and a central interim repository.
The CNTA Essay Contest is open to high school juniors and seniors throughout South Carolina and select counties in Georgia, including homeschooled students and those whose families are members of CNTA. This initiative seeks to provide students with a platform to explore essential nuclear issues and develop their understanding of the subject.
All winning students, along with their parents and school representatives, will be honored at a CNTA event later this year, celebrating their hard work and outstanding achievements. The contest not only rewards the winners but also fosters a community of awareness around nuclear technology and its implications.
CNTA is an Aiken-based charitable educational organization dedicated to informing the public about nuclear issues and fostering responsible discussions surrounding nuclear technology. For additional information regarding the essay contest, including details on winning essays, interested individuals can visit the CNTA website or reach out to the organization directly at 803-649-3456 or via email at [email protected].
The CNTA Essay Contest continues to provide high school students with valuable opportunities to engage with complex topics in science and policy, helping to cultivate the next generation of informed citizens.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duke Energy’s Vision for South Carolina’s Energy Future
Duke Energy’s Strategic Focus on South Carolina’s Energy Future
Duke Energy Focuses on Resilience After Hurricane Helene
Duke Energy Outlines Infrastructure Resilience Strategies
Duke Energy Tackles Hurricane Helene Aftermath in South Carolina
The Nuclear Company Opens New Office in Columbia, SC
USC Aiken Celebrates Kauffman Remembrance Day
Aiken Area Schools Enhance STEM Education Programs
Aiken Sparks Interest in Fusion Energy with Insightful Talk
Columbia Embraces New Energy Leadership at Duke Energy
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Nuclear Power
- WRDW
- Google Search: VC Summer Nuclear Project
- CNBC
- Google Scholar: Nuclear Reactors
- Reuters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nuclear Energy
- AP News
- Google News: Nuclear Power Georgia
