… says Lisa Balbes, the St Louis Section’s perennial liaison to all things Scouting.
In particular, Lisa is “thrilled to announce that the Chemistry Merit Badge event won the PPP [Partners for Progress and Prosperity] award, which will be presented at the Midwest Regional Meeting next month. I think it’s a big deal. :-)”
Here is what the citation had to say:
It is with great pleasure that we inform you that the collaboration between Jost Chemical, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, and the St Louis local ACS section has been chosen to receive the 2026 ACS Midwest Regional Partners for Progress and Prosperity (P3) Award.
Acknowledged for their participation: Joe Hardimon (Jost Chemical, hosting venue), Eden Tesfu (St Louis Local Section Chair), and Debanjana Ghosh (Southern Illinois, Edwardsville, organization and staffing). And further,
The committee especially commends the many outreach activities that this collaboration has enabled throughout the area, and hopes that your partnership will continue to thrive in the coming years. Dr Balbes, thank you for finding the time to nominate such a deserving group of like-minded chemists.
We think it’s a big deal, too, which is why we’re giving you this you-saw-it-here-first preview of the award.
