Patrick Sweeney selected as an Emperor Science Award Winner

Patrick Sweeney, from Valley Oaks Charter High School, Tehachapi, was announced as one of 100 award recipients for the 2nd PBS LearningMedia's and Stand Up To Cancer's Emperor Science Award program. The Emperor Science Award program is an initiative designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in science, specifically cancer research and care, through a unique mentoring opportunity.

PBS LearningMedia, a digital educational resource library for teachers and students, and Stand Up To Cancer, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, received nearly 800 applications from eligible 10th and 11th grade students in 44 states throughout the U.S. who are interested in pursuing a career in science research. Prominent scientists served as judges and evaluated the students' applications, written essays addressing why scientific research is so important in finding a cure for cancer and what scientific field they would study and why.

The 100 Emperor Science Award recipients will have an opportunity to conduct research in a lab, actual, virtual or a combination of both, working with an esteemed scientist on a rewarding multi-week cancer research project. They will receive a Google Chrome computer to enhance their studies and to facilitate mentor access for those students who live at a distance from their mentor's research facility, and a $1,500 stipend for expenses. Those entering the program for the first year will also have the opportunity to apply for a second year.

Students from rural, suburban and urban communities in 29 states comprise the second class of Emperor Science Awardees. These students demonstrated awareness of emerging developments in cancer treatment, including precision medicine, immunotherapy and epigenetics, and have an impressive range of research focuses and interests, including nanotechnology and engineering, basic cellular biology, gene mapping, bioinformatics, DNA splicing and computational sciences.

Patrick Sweeney, a sophomore at Valley Oaks Charter High School, Tehachapi, has expressed a passion for science from an early age. It was in his Scouting career that he discovered a proclivity to medicine through his First Aid, Medical and Public Health Merit Badges. As a Scout, Patrick received the National Medal of Merit for his work with children with neurological disabilities and autism. He continued this volunteer work with adults with disabilities at Mountain Pathways where he completed his Eagle Scout project. He enjoys programming on the RickRollers Robotics Team and his daily hikes in Stallion Springs. Patrick also continues to study neuroscience and molecular biology in his spare time. This summer, he looks forward to attending Camp Neuro at UCSD.

Patrick is humbled by and grateful to his teachers and administrators at VOCHS. He feels challenged and supported by his facilitators. His science teacher, Mrs. Thornburg, brought this opportunity to Patrick's attention and encouraged him to apply. Patrick also appreciates Mr. Karnes, Mrs. Page and Mr. Peyton and their investments in his academic career. He also wishes to thank his Robotics Coach, Mr. Kelly who engages his otherwise "out-there" concepts. This opportunity would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors Genentech, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Novartis. And many thanks also go to Stand Up to Cancer and PBS Learning.

The Emperor Science Award Program extends the learning and outreach for the PBS documentary, Ken Burns Presents Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies a Film by Barak Goodman.

For more information, please call Brandy Sweeney at (661) 714-1663