VIRGINIA JUNIOR ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

• (1) to discover and encourage scientific aptitude among secondary school students (grades 7 through 12) in Virginia,
• (2) to foster fellowship between its members and the members of the VAS,
• (3) encourage students to continue their education in science, engineering
  and related fields, and
• (4) to develop a background among its members which will eventually lead to
  membership in the Virginia Academy of Science and other professional
  science organizations.

The VAS became interested in these association's accomplishments, and Dr. Ruskin S. Freer, the incoming president of the VAS, appointed a committee under Dr. L. C. Bird to initiate such work in Virginia. At a meeting in Dean Hortley F. Rudd's office on June 5, 1940, two committees were formed to direct the activities of VJAS - the Virginia Junior Academy of Science Committee and the Virginia Academy of Science Sponsoring Committee.

Invitations to join the VJAS were mailed to all science clubs that had indicated interest, and charters for the VJAS were printed. On May 3, 1941, the first annual meeting of the VJAS was called to order in Richmond by Mr. Hubert J. Davis, chairman of the VJAS Committee. More than two hundred high school students, delegates from member clubs, visiting officers of the VAS, and guests were present.

Since this first meeting, the VJAS has initiated and promoted a variety of important programs, including an annual meeting, the presentation of awards, sponsoring radio science quiz shows, publication of scientific documents, and preparation of a VJAS film (now replaced by a video) to encourage science students in Virginia. The VJAS has grown rapidly from a nucleus of 17 clubs to over 100 affiliated schools. Many of the Senior Academy members instrumental in the formation of VJAS have maintained their interest in its progress and have continued to guide its affairs. Financial support has been provided by organizations and individuals throughout the Commonwealth.

Appreciation is expressed to the following people who have chaired the VJAS Committee and labored faithfully through the years to assure VJAS's growth to its present status:

      Mr. H. J. Davis                           1941-47
      Mr. F. G. Lankford                        1947-49
      Dr. Boyd Harshbarger                      1949
      Mr. B. W. Cooper & Mr. Floyd S. Andrews   1950
      Mr. Grover Everett                        1951
      Mrs. Thelma C. Heatwole                   1952-60
      Dr. W. W. Scott                           1960-64
      Dr. E. L. Wisman                          1964-72
      Dr. Lee Anthony                           1972-75
      Dr. John L. Hess                          1975-78
      Dr. A. B. Neimeyer, Jr.                   1978-80
      Dr. R. Dean Decker                        1980-92
      Mr. Donald R. Cottingham	                1992-1997
     Co-Directors:
  	R. Dean Decker & Donald R. Cottingham	1998-1999
     Co-Directors:
  	R. Dean Decker & Susan Booth		1999-2000
      Susan Booth - Director			2000-



The VJAS will continue to expand to meet the needs of the student
participants.  Student officers are available at the annual meetings to
record your concerns (criticisms and constructive ideas) about the VJAS.