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Making Chemistry Fun

RUSH TOWNSHIP — Some kids in high school dread heading to chemistry class — the labs, the tests and the periodic table, but kids at Marian Catholic ...

RUSH TOWNSHIP -- Some kids in high school dread heading to chemistry class -- the labs, the tests and the periodic table, but kids at Marian Catholic High School near Tamaqua say chem isn't all that bad thanks to their teacher Robert Valente.

"Science can get boring. Obviously it's not one of my favorite subjects, but he makes it a lot more interesting," said Anthony Collevechio, a junior at Marian.

Valente has been teaching science for more than 30 years, but this year the American Chemical Society has named Valente the outstanding chemistry teacher of the year in Pennsylvania.

"I didn't even know I was nominated. I didn't even know I got the award until they told me, so it was quite exciting," said Valente.

The teacher was nominated by a former student.

Valente says every year the chemical society out of Susquehanna Valley puts out a spring test and his students usually score in first or second place.

He thinks that's why he might have won.

The kids say those tests are easier because Valente truly cares about the subject and the kids.

"I took organic chemistry this year and taking it with Mr. Valente is a lot of fun and he makes it really easy, as easy as it can be," said Courtney McCall.

Many of the kids here at Marian must like Mr. Valente's teaching because years after they graduated, many are still working in science fields.

"I also have several students who are chemistry teachers, which is wonderful," said Valente.

So now that his peers and students see him as an outstanding teacher, what's next?

"I don't know, I guess I'll retire?"

He is kidding of course, he has a few years before that happens.

For now, he's just trying to find a place to the put the winners plaque.

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