Rohm and Haas National Poster Contest Winners Announced

Business Wire, Oct 24, 2008

Five School Children "Have a Ball With Chemistry" and Win Big Prizes During National Chemistry Week, Which Examined the Science Behind Sports

PHILADELPHIA -- Rohm and Haas Company (NYSE:ROH) has named the five winners of its "Having a Ball With Chemistry" National Poster Contest, held in conjunction with National Chemistry Week (Oct. 19-25).

Children were encouraged to submit posters displaying why they love the sports they play. This year's theme for National Chemistry Week, conducted annually by the American Chemical Society, was "Having a Ball With Chemistry." It is designed to help school children gain an understanding of the role chemistry plays in sports.

Teachers of children who won the poster contest received a $500 gift card from Staples[R]. The schools the winners attend will receive a two-week Club Invention[R] program through scholarships from Rohm and Haas. Club Invention is an after-school enrichment program for children in grades 1-6, enabling them to think the unthinkable, create new possibilities and discover innovative solutions through hands-on learning. The winners included:

* 4th grade: Lauryn Eggert of Carrie Lee Elementary in Decorah, Iowa. Lauryn was the grand prize winner. Her name was randomly drawn to receive a trip to The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia (including airfare) and a party at a local sports center. Lauryn's entry was for gymnastics. "It keeps my body healthy and strong," she wrote.

* 5th grade: Valentino Papa of J.R. Masterman School in Philadelphia, Pa. Valentino won $400 toward a bike for his entry about soccer. "I have to concentrate on the ball, run fast, and kick it," he wrote.

* 6th grade: Lexi Winoski of Holy Trinity School in Melbourne, Fla. Lexi also won $400 toward a bike for her entry about softball. "I feel the rush of my blood when I'm racing toward 'home,'" she wrote.

* 7th grade: Audrey Deng of William Penn Middle School in Yardley, Pa. Audrey won a Locker Make-Over for her entry about roller skating. "Roller skating is super exciting, especially when you can crabwalk," she wrote.

* 8th grade: Meredith Steely of Radnor Middle School in Wayne, Pa. Meredith won a Nintendo[R] Wii[TM] Bundle from GameStop[R] for her entry about lacrosse. "I have a ball playing lacrosse because I meet new friends, get to run, and challenge myself," she wrote.

The winning posters, along with a series of educational videos examining science's role in sports, can be viewed at go.rohmhaas.com/havingaball.

About National Chemistry Week

National Chemistry Week is a community based program of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The annual event, in its 21(st) year, unites ACS local sections, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. The mission of National Chemistry Week is to reach the public, particularly elementary school children, with positive messages about chemistry.

Thousands of volunteers from local ACS sections across the country conduct hands-on science activities in their communities, with a focus on elementary and secondary school children. Chemists, chemical engineers, teachers, and students volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to present chemistry demonstrations, and also put together contests for children, conduct workshops, visit classrooms, and host open houses. These programs and activities have been held in venues as diverse as science museums, shopping malls, hospitals, libraries, classrooms, and chemical companies. For more information, visit www.acs.org.

About Rohm and Haas Company

Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company's technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Innovative Rohm and Haas technologies and solutions help to improve life every day, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, Pa., the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.9 billion in 2007. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information. imagine the possibilities[TM]