Awards at the American Orchid Society: An Overview

An experienced tutor and research specialist, Evan A. Weitz has successfully developed neuron imaging probes for the healthcare field as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota. Currently, Evan A. Weitz repairs electronic circuits of all ages as a senior lab technician at Absolute Sound Laboratories in Minnesota.

Mr. Weitz also has an award-winning orchid named after him. “Evan’s Discovery” claimed an Award of Merit from the American Orchid Society (AOS). Since its founding in 1921, the AOS has promoted appreciation of orchids through education, conservation, and research efforts. The Award of Merit is just one of several awards the AOS grants that recognize orchid quality. It is awarded to orchids or hybrids that score 80 to 89 points out of 100. 

Other AOS awards include the Highly Commended Certificate, which is awarded to plants that score between 75 and 79 points, and the First Class Certificate, which recognizes those that score 90 points or more. The organization also distributes a Judges' Commendation award for orchids with distinctive qualities, and an Award of Distinction for new breeding directions. In addition to these distinctions, the AOS awards certificates that recognize botanical, horticultural, and cultural excellence.

For additional detail on these awards, visit www.aos.org/orchid-awards-judging/aos-awards.

Evan A Weitz Photograph 11/14

Evan A Weitz Photograph 10/23

The Structure of the ACT: An Overview

Recent college graduate Evan A Weitz holds advanced degrees in chemistry, which includes a PhD from the University of Minnesota. Currently, Evan A Weitz serves as a co-owner and senior lab technician at Absolute Sound Laboratories in Minnesota. Mr. Weitz also serves as a tutor for Achieve Academics, where he helps students to prepare for the American College Test (ACT). 

Founded more than seven years ago, Achieve Academics provides college counseling to students and strives to improve their study habits and testing skills. To date, the organization has served more than 500 students across 20 school districts.

In regards to ACT preparation, Achieve Academics focuses on testing strategies and content in each of the exam’s five sections. The first section, English, includes 75 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 45 minutes. Students then have an hour to complete the math section, which includes 60 questions; and 35 minutes to complete the reading section, composed of 40 questions. The final mandatory section, science, is a 35-minute long portion of the ACT that includes 40 questions.

Achieve Academics also helps students to prepare for the optional writing test section of the ACT. For additional information on Achieve Academics services, visit www.achieveacademics.com.