Fort Couch students excel in national bees

June 26, 2024

Fort Couch students excel in national bees 

Avik Pandey, a rising eighth grader at Fort Couch Middle School, recently placed sixth among 148 competitors in the National Science Bee. The event, one of several national bees sponsored by the International Academic Competitions, was held May 23-27, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.

Finishing in sixth place, Avik is the first student from Pennsylvania to reach the National Science Bee finals.

“Avik deserves all of the accolades he can get as he is one of the most kind, dedicated, and talented students we have the pleasure of teaching,” Dr. Dan Zelenski, Fort Couch Middle School social studies teacher, said.

Avik also placed sixth in the Physical Science Exam and 23rd in the Earth Science Exam.

“As a science teacher, this brings me great joy,” Patrick Corr, seventh grade science teacher and science curriculum leader, said. “I know Avik has a great future in science.”

Also competing at the national competition were rising eighth graders Arjun Kairi and Bernard Huang. Arjun participated in the U.S. and National History Bees. Bernard tied for 10th place in the U.S. Geography Championships and tied for seventh place in the U.S. Military History Exams.

This year marked the fourth time that Bernard qualified for the national level academic competition. This was the third year that Avik and Arjun advanced to nationals.