Arts, Science Students Show Off Work to North Hills Board

Students who conducted experiments to test which hand sanitizers work best, whether right-handed people are more dexterous than left-handed people and whether makeup should be thrown away at the recommended times on the packaging were among those honored Monday during the North Hills School Board meeting. 

at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition earlier this year gave brief presentations before the school board describing their experiments. 

Junior Anna Madrishin tested three hand sanitizers to determine which killed the most bacteria (a Bath & Body Works product came out on top). 

She thanked the board for its support of the program. 

"It's helping me decide what I want to do," she said. 

Freshman Matthew Selzer said he found right-handed people seem to have better dexterity than left-handed people, and fresman Caroline Snyder said it would be a good idea to throw out mascara when the manufacturer recommends it.

Sophomore Kristin McCarthy and senior Stephanie Fairley, who are photography students, talked about their recent works, which the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognized with honorable mentions in the Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2012.

Fairley said this year was the first time she had room in her schedule for electives and that arts classes she has taken have had a great impact.

"I found out I'm good at art and that I really enjoy it," she said. "I just want to thank the school for keeping the art department around." 

Also honored Monday night were students with the Student Alliance, a group that started this year to encourage peers to "do the right thing," whether that's staying away from drugs and alcohol or reporting violence or other safety concerns. 

The board also honored senior Shannon Evans, who