Hills has many clubs available it may be difficult to find the right one. If you want to pursue a science field after high school or want to help your college resume, Robotics and Chemistry Olympics are some great options. Getting involved with these clubs can give you some life-changing opportunities.

Chemistry Olympics  

The Chemistry Olympics takes place in the span of three months (usually late February to May). Students work in small groups to put together a research paper, lab experiment and a website. Every year professors from NJIT decide on a relevant theme and judge the competition.

Last year, the pandemic prevented the club from operating in person. However, PHHS did compete in two remote events. Anna Kostoreva, Jillian Gerber and Aastha Shukla won a Silver Medal for their hours of hard work on the theme ‘Vaccination Methods.’

Mr. Soltman, the advisor of the Chemistry Olympics at PHHS said “Students generally sign up because they are looking for a science based extracurricular which will allow them to demonstrate their interests in science, allowing them to get hands-on work while beefing up their college resume. We have strong science students at PHHS, it should not be surprising that they would like the chance to flex their mental muscles.”

This club allows students to develop teamwork, time management, presentation skills while exploring their science interests.

NJ Chemistry Olympics 2018- Pascack Valley

A silver medalist in 2020, Jillian Gerber, says that she joined the Chemistry Olympics because “I enjoy science and wanted to further my studies. The club gave me the opportunity to study a topic I never considered studying but am grateful that I did.”

She had the support of her family members because many have chemical engineering and pharmaceutical backgrounds. They were able to answer some of her questions and follow her passion for science.

Overall Jillian Gerber felt that the work she put into this club was worth it and prepared her for her future.

If you are interested in participating next year, contact [email protected].