Andrew Liu, Parkway Central High School represents the USA at the 2008 International Chemistry Olympiad

Andrew Liu, a top finisher in the Advanced Division of the local high school chemistry contest for two straight years, has gone all the way. He is one of the four-chemist team who will represent the USA at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Budapest, July 12–21.

The road to the final four is an arduous one. Around the country, about 10,000 students participated in local contests; 900 qualified for the national exam; only 20 were invited to the Olympiad “boot camp” organized by national ACS at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Finally, the four primary representatives and two alternates were chosen to represent the USA in Budapest.

Andrew graduated from Parkway Central High School this year, and will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall.

Update July 22, 2008— Results just in. A total of 172 students from around the world competed. The four members of Team USA scored three Bronze Medals and one Silver in the competition.

Full results for all competitors are available here (xls, 40 kb). Our heartfelt congratulations to Andrew and his high school chemistry teacher, Ken Greathouse, and to the three other Team USA members.