CHRISRTINA KERRY  DIAMOND

THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S 29^th CALVERT AWARD

In 1987, the American Entomological Society initiated the Calvert Award to be presented to a young person who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in insect-related study.  The Award is named in honor of Dr. Philip P. Calvert who joined the Society as a teenager, later became its president, and was a member for 74 years.  As Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania and an Associate of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Dr. Calvert played an important role in stimulating an interest in insects among young people.

This year, the 29th  Calvert Award was presented to Kerri Diamond, from Souderton, Pennasylvania. an eleventh grade student at Souderton Area High School. Her project was entitled, “The Hive Comparison: The Possible benefit of Diversified Pollenators.”  Her project was selected from among approximately 20 insect-related science projects presented at the annual Delaware Valley Science Fairs held April 1 at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

Three other students received recognition for their insect-related science projects. Prize winners included Ananya Joshi, (second place), a twelveth grade student from Martawan, NJ, who studied, “Developing a Solar Powered Agitator for Mosqquito Control in Stagnant Water.”  Jillian Murphy (third place), an eleventh grade student from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, received recognition for her project on, “Spider Reactyion to Predatory Stimulation.” Sarah Smith of Ambler, PA, received honorable mention for her project, An Investigation of Aphids and Their Environment.” Danny Ritz from Rydal, PA, also received an honorable mention for his project, The Color of Hungry: Do Different Colors Artract Bees in Different Amounts?

All students were honored at the Calvert Award ceremonies held April 23 in the library of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Dr. Jamie Cromartie, president of the American Entomological Society presented the students with checks, certificates of accomplishment, and memberships in the American Entomological Society.