HERMITAGE SPRINGS-Hermitage Springs School sixth-grader Hunter McLerran of Mrs. Beth McMurtrey’s science class has been chosen among only 26 students in 13 states to attend the Appalachian STEM Academy in Oak Ridge this summer from July 5-11.

“Let us congratulate Hunter McLerran on this exceptional opportunity,” school officials said on social media.  “What an honor! Way to represent your school!”

McLerran was selected to participate in the hands-on learning program that will focus on the application of math and science principles in various research areas.

The participants will be housed at a hotel in Oak Ridge and be chaperoned 24 hours a day by experienced teachers.

All major expenses, including meals, lodging, transportation to and from the participant’s home, and local transportation, will be covered for participants.

Participants will tour research facilities, use a variety of technologies to solve problems in the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Center for Science Education classroom, and participate in field trips to nearby industries, research facilities, and museums.

Students also participate in cultural field trips. Field trips will illustrate the applications of math and science in the real world and provide participants with opportunities to learn more about Appalachia and its unique characteristics.

For more information about the Appalachian STEM Academy, visit www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/stem.