Teacher, student find right chemistry at South High

The mix of teenage hormones and chemicals can make high school chemistry labs combustible places.

South High School science teacher Angela Osuji wishes at times that she had an extra set of goggle-covered eyes in the back of her head.

Osuji's days are evidence of the tenuous tie between teachers and students in large high schools: Forming bonds with the 100-plus students who filter through her classroom each week is tough.

With the right mix of inspiration and instruction, Osuji knows she can be a catalyst for student success despite the swell of students.

Joshua Anderson is proof.

Anderson was displaced for his senior year, landing at South after the district booted the Physical and other Health Disabilities (PHD) program out of North High School. He was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord.

In the sea of news faces at South, Anderson found a familiar one to help him manage the move and overcome his physical challenge to flourish in the classroom. The Science Museum of Minnesota honored Anderson in January as one of three winners of the "Good Job Award" during its annual "African Americans in Science" event.

Osuji nominated Anderson for his project, "Discover the Excitement of Heavy-Metal Ions."

Due to illness, Anderson couldn't accept the honor in person. His teacher accepted it for him on a cold, blustery Saturday morning, picking up the $100 check and museum membership that came with the honor.

"She's a nice people person," Anderson said. "She makes me want to do more work. I can't explain it."

Like Anderson, Osuji is a North High transplant, uprooted from her old school because of low enrollment.

They passed each other in North High's halls for three years, just another teacher and student crossing paths but never connecting.

That changed after the school district reassigned Osuji after nine years at North, and also relocated the PHD program, which provides an education assistant for Anderson.

The shift took them from the city's smallest high school to its largest. It also brought together two introverts.

Their fifth-hour chemistry class connection is largely unspoken.

Osuji didn't even tell Anderson that she had nominated him for the science award until he had won.

Anderson respects his teacher because she demands his best effort despite a disability that makes writing, and sometimes getting to class, physically taxing.

"That has not deterred him from being optimistic," she said.

Overcoming challenges

With his health issues, Anderson's attendance has been sporadic for portions of the school year. But his will and keen mind for math calculations remain strong.

In her nominating letter for Joshua's award, Osuji wrote:

"I have Josh's permission to disclose that he has had huge health barriers that have affected his academic achievement with frequent hospitalizations. Despite that, he has remained positive. ...

"I reasoned that the ... award is intended not only for the very bright students with high achievement, but also for those who persist in spite of challenges," she wrote in closing.

The "Good Job Award" is designed to inspire minority students to pursue studies and careers in science. It's also intended to support the work of teachers such as Osuji.

The Science Museum of Minnesota hosts similar events throughout the winter, also highlighting the achievements of Latino and American Indian scientists and science students.

"We're part of the effort to show that anyone can achieve," said Paul Mohrbacher, the museum's community relations manager.

Next stop: College

With his orange backpack strapped to the back of his wheelchair, Anderson negotiates the hallways at South High holding his head high.

"He had never won anything like that before," his mother, Josie Washington, said.

Anderson wants to study math or business in college. He credits his chemistry teacher for the newfound confidence.

"You know somebody's counting on you to do it," Anderson said. "That puts me in a happy place."

corey.mitchell@startribune.com • 612-673-4491