MICHIGAN CITY Teachers often refer to a light bulb moment when students finally understand the lesson. Two science teachers at Michigan City High School had their own light bulb moments, courtesy of senior Matthew Bietry who has taken his studies of microbiology to new levels.

Bietry, a three-year participant on the Science Olympiad team, developed an interest in microbiology in his sophomore year. Spurred by success at his first Science Olympiad competition, Bietry unleashed his passion delving into college-level textbooks to become an expert in his field. The result was several gold medals to add to his achievements, as well as the unwavering admiration of his teacher Andrew Jasicki and Science Olympiad coach Bob Gray.

I first met Matt when he came to my classroom to convince me to take a risk and allow him to take my class, Jasicki recalled. He wanted to enter an advanced biology course but his chemistry grade didnt fulfill the requirement. He assured me that he could do all of the work in my course so I said okay. He didnt disappoint me.

Bietry recalled the same story, and offers his own praise of his teacher, whom he calls a role model. He spent a lot of time out of his busy schedule to teach me things about microbiology, Bietry said.

Bietry said working in the lab for the Science Olympiad is what hooked his passion for microbiology. During that first year, he rode the microbiology competition on the coat tails of a more experienced member, part of the team that won a gold medal that year.

I felt guilty about that, Bietry said.

To compensate, he began reading all he could about microbiology, visiting college courses, buying college text books and searching for knowledge. He compiled a thick notebook of handwritten notes chronicling his research. This handwritten research volume is being left behind at MCHS when Bietry graduates for the Science Olympiad team his legacy to an activity that he says changed his life.

Gray watched Bietrys metamorphosis that began with his first Science Olympiad competition. One medal that first year of competition was the spark, but Bietrys own drive for knowledge was the fuel that propelled Bietry to continue collecting medals in both his junior and senior year. He even placed eighth in the state. And that one gold medal has turned into three golds and one bronze overall.

To be truthful, I didnt recognize his ability until after his success at the first Olympiad, Jasicki said. After that, I just became his assistant in the lab. He asked for materials and I would supply them. If he had a question, I would try to supply the answer he needed. I have never seen a student so interested in bacteriology. Matt really did a lot of research outside of school. What he liked most about my class is that it had a laboratory where he could work on his techniques.

Gray also faced a barrage of questions from Bietry, who served as Science Olympiad team captain in his junior and senior years. He asks questions just about non-stop, Gray said. These are good questions, not designed to waste time.

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Senior grows his talent in microbiology