Seniors Advance in U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

Senior Danny Slowey and junior Lainie Guarino completed the local qualifying exam March 28, 2026, at Carnegie Mellon University and are among approximately 1,000 students nationwide advancing to the national exam. Roughly 20,000 high school students initially participate in the competition each year.

The six-hour, three-part national exam was administered on April 18 at Carnegie Mellon University.

Danny has earned multiple academic honors. Last fall, he was recognized as a Commended Student by the College Board for his performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction for his achievements in the Advanced Placement program. He serves as treasurer of the Future Business Leaders of America and is a member of the National Honor Society, varsity soccer team as well as the indoor and outdoor track and field teams.

Lainie competes on the Upper St. Clair High School varsity softball team as well as the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners. She is among the 2026 National Honor Society inductees and works at the St. Clair Country Club.

Sponsored by the American Chemical Society since 1984, the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad is a multilevel competition designed to promote excellence in high school chemistry.

The program consists of four tiers: Local Chemistry Olympiad Exams, National Chemistry Olympiad Exams, Study Camp for the top 20 national scorers, and International Chemistry Olympiad competition for four students selected from Study Camp.

This year’s International Chemistry Olympiad is scheduled for July 10–19, 2026, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Advancing to the national exam places Danny and Lainie among the top chemistry students in the country and moves them one step closer to competing on the international stage.