Nearly 200 proud parents and teachers came to honor a record 47 high school juniors Thursday at the annual Distinguished Achievement Awards for Science Excellence dinner presented by the UMSL College of Arts and Sciences.

The students, pictured with their awards, were chosen by their high schools for their academic achievement and outstanding capabilities in science. They attend public, private and parochial schools in the St. Louis region.

Theresa Thiel, senior associate dean of arts and sciences and professor of biology, presented the keynote address on “Using photosynthesis to make hydrogen fuel.”

The photograph was taken by UMSL photographer August Jennewein and is the latest to be featured in Eye on UMSL.