Andrew Lingenfelter, an eighth-grade student at Seneca Valley Middle School, will compete June 20 in Philadelphia in the national "You Be The Chemist" challenge, an academic competition created by the Chemical Educational Foundation.

Along with Dominic Panzino, a sixth-grade student at Evans City Middle School, Andrew competed in the local challenge held February in Cranberry Township, and both qualified for the state challenge that was held at Penn State University on May 7.

Andrew captured first place and Dominic earned second place.

The challenge aims to interest students in fifth through eighth grade in science through a dynamic event that tests their knowledge of chemistry concepts, discoveries, and chemical safety awareness.

Additionally, challenge competitions work to partner members of the chemical industry and its affiliated organizations with schools in the communities.