Solon's Stephen Tang: One Of Top 20 Chemistry Students In U.S.

More than 12,000 high school chemistry wizards took a three-part exam to see if they had what it takes to be a chemistry champion.

Now only 20 remain -- the top chemistry students in the country. And one of them is Stephen Tang.

Tang has been named a "national chemistry champion" and is qualified to complete for one of four coveted spots on the U.S. Chemistry Team, which will compete in July at the International Chemistry Olympiad, an annual contest featuring the world's greatest chemistry students.

Tang's AP chemistry teacher at Solon High, Tony Sanson, said Tang's chemistry knowledge has "gone beyond the scope of my class."

"I've had some amazing students in AP chemistry over the last six years, but Stephen is a level above," he said. "He understands chemistr with so much depth that it allows him to see the big picture and connect all of the topics."

Tang will get to take part in a two-week intensive study camp in June at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

During the camp, Tang will receive college-level training with an emphasis on organic chemistry. The four students for the team will be chosen from those at the camp.

"The students who complete in the International Chemistry Olympiad are the brightest minds in chemistry," said Bassam Shakhashiri, president of the American Chemical Society, which sponsors the team. "These young people are the ones who will make the discusovering that shape our future."

Good luck Stephen!