Competed in the DuPont Challenge

Booker George, grandson of Jim and Jean George of Tamaqua, finished third in his division for the 25 anniversary of the DuPont Challenge. George was one of approximately 10,000 students nationwide who competed in the challenge by entering science essays. Only three winners were selected in each category, grades 7 to 9 and grades 10-12. In addition to other awards, winners were given an all expenses paid trip to Florida, which included visits to Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center. Expenses for a parent and a teacher, to accompany each winner, were also provided.

George is a junior class member at Bergen County Academies, a magnet high school that includes seven different academies. Entry to the magnet school is through a stringent testing/acceptance program.

George is the son of Steve George and Georgine Knoll-George of Hackensack, N.J., and the nephew of Wendi Rigler of Tamaqua.. He and his dad, accomanied by his teacher, traveled to Florida for the awards presentation and awards dinner, April 28, at the Epcot Center. They also traveled to NASA's space center, where they received a special tour and met with astronauts. The group was scheduled to watch the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor, but the launch was postponed. The space agency is one of the sponsor's of the DuPont Challenge.

Steve George is a 1977 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School. An Emmy award winning graphic designer and animator, he is currently working with the MLB Network.