VIRGINIA JUNIOR ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
  • Home
  • Information, Rules, & Handbook
    • Overview and Important Dates
    • Membership
    • Categories
    • Preparation and Presentation of Papers
    • Checklists and Forms
    • Operation of VJAS
    • VJAS Handbook (download here)
  • How to Submit Research to VJAS?
    • Paper Submission, Membership, & Reviewr
  • 2025 Symposium
  • Past Symposia
    • 2024 Symposium
    • 2023 Symposium
    • 2022 Symposium
    • 2021 Symposium
  • Judges
  • Resources & Mentorship
  • Winners & Awards
    • VAS Award for Dedicated Service to VJAS
    • Teacher of the Year
    • Distinguished Service Award
    • Recent Winners
  • Alumni Reconnect!
  • Publications
    • VJAS Handbook
    • VJAS Podcasts
    • VJAS Press Releases and Resources
    • VJAS Proceedings
    • VJAS Sponsor's Update
    • VJAS STEMinars
    • VJAS Style Manual & Sample Paper
    • VJAS Voice
  • Vaccine Educational Research Study
  • About/More Information
    • History
    • VJAS Student Leadership
    • Contact Us

History of the Virginia Junior Academy of Science

In 1938 the VAS served as host to the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Richmond, Virginia. One important event discussed at this meeting was the rapid development of science clubs in high schools throughout the country,especially the organized associations of science clubs in New York City.

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 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 the 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 served as Director, and have labored faithfully through the years to assure VJAS’s growth to its present status.
1941-47​
Mr. H. J. Davis  


1947-49
Mr. F. G. Lankford  


1949
Dr. Boyd Harshbarger  


1950
Mr. B. W. Cooper & Mr. Floyd S. Andrews 


1951
Mr. Grover Everett 


1952-60
Mrs. Thelma C. Heatwole 


1960-64
Dr. W. W. Scott 


1964-72
Dr. E. L. Wisman 


1972-75
Dr. Lee Anthony 


1975-78
Dr. John L. Hess 


1978-80
Dr. A. B. Neimeyer, Jr. 


1980-92
Dr. R. Dean Decker 


1992-97
Mr. Donald R. Cottingham 


1994-95
Dr. Eugene Maurakis, Associate Director 


1997-98
Dr. R. Dean Decker & Mr. Donald R. Cottingham 


1998-99
Dr. R. Dean Decker & Mr. Donald R. Cottingham 

 Ms. Susan Booth, Associate Director

1999-2000
Dr. R. Dean Decker & Ms. Susan Booth 

2000-2011
Ms. Susan Booth, Director & VJAS Committee Chair 

2011-2013
Ms. Susan Booth, Director 

Ms. Bobbie Whittier, VJAS Committee Chair

2013-2014
Ms. Susan Booth, Director & VJAS Committee Chair 


2014-2015
Ms. Susan Booth, Director & VJAS Committee Chair 
Dr. David S. Torain II, Associate Director    
Mr. Se W. Jeong, VJAS Committee Chair

2016-2019
Ms. Susan Booth, Director 
Mr. Se W. Jeong, VJAS Committee Chair

2019 - 2024
Ms. Susan Booth, Director
Ms. Robin Curtis , Associate Director
Mr. Se W. Jeong, VJAS Committee Chair
Mr. Michael Lovrencic, VJAS Committee Vice-Chair

2024-Present
Ms. Susan Booth, Director

Ms. Robin Curtis , Associate Director
Mr. Michael Lovrencic, VJAS Committee Chair

About Us

History​

Contact Us

Picture
  • Home
  • Information, Rules, & Handbook
    • Overview and Important Dates
    • Membership
    • Categories
    • Preparation and Presentation of Papers
    • Checklists and Forms
    • Operation of VJAS
    • VJAS Handbook (download here)
  • How to Submit Research to VJAS?
    • Paper Submission, Membership, & Reviewr
  • 2025 Symposium
  • Past Symposia
    • 2024 Symposium
    • 2023 Symposium
    • 2022 Symposium
    • 2021 Symposium
  • Judges
  • Resources & Mentorship
  • Winners & Awards
    • VAS Award for Dedicated Service to VJAS
    • Teacher of the Year
    • Distinguished Service Award
    • Recent Winners
  • Alumni Reconnect!
  • Publications
    • VJAS Handbook
    • VJAS Podcasts
    • VJAS Press Releases and Resources
    • VJAS Proceedings
    • VJAS Sponsor's Update
    • VJAS STEMinars
    • VJAS Style Manual & Sample Paper
    • VJAS Voice
  • Vaccine Educational Research Study
  • About/More Information
    • History
    • VJAS Student Leadership
    • Contact Us