SILVER SPRING, Md. — A Fayetteville student who competed in the Northwest Arkansas Regional Science and Engineering Fair, sponsored by the University of Arkansas, has been named the only student in Arkansas selected as a semifinalist in the 2006 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

Stephanie Rupe, who competed as a 7^th grade student from the New School in Fayetteville last school year, will compete against 400 middle school students from 43 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia in the Discovery Channel’s eighth annual competition. The Young Scientist Challenge, which had more than 70,000 entrants this year, gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and push their limits as they explore the world of science.

“Discovery is proud to continue the tradition of supporting middle school education and cultivating the next generation of American scientists," said John Hendricks, the founder and chairman of Discovery Communications. “Each year, the breadth of knowledge demonstrated by the DCYSC’s 400 semifinalists is inspiring and a bit humbling. These young men and women have the intelligence, energy, creativity and dedication to become the nation’s scientific trailblazers of the future. We remain committed to celebrating their achievements and scientific learning.”

The 400 projects selected to advance to the semifinals run the scientific gamut, from biochemistry to physics, from zoology to health, and from mathematics to engineering. Each of the students submitted projects that were innovative and imaginative, with a level of complexity that might make the average adult’s head spin. These semifinalists were also chosen for their ability to effectively communicate the reasoning and purpose behind their projects.

The countdown to choosing America’s Top Young Scientist continues on Sept. 14, when the field of 400 semifinalists is narrowed by judges to the “Final Forty.” The young scientists will use their scientific know-how to find solutions to this year’s five-part challenge. The students will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist of the Year.”

The full list of 400 semifinalists, their hometowns and schools and the titles of their winning entries can be found at: http://www.discovery.com/dcysc.