Five seniors from Kennedy High School were named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars on Jan. 8.

This is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. 

They are among 300 students chosen nationwide for this distinction. Their projects are a culmination of three years of work as members of the school’s Advanced Science Research program. 

From Kennedy, Gabriella Elliott submitted the project, The Use of Diagnostic Coding Processes in the Analysis of Verbal Behaviors To Enhance Patient-Provider Connection, Mark Prainito submitted the project, Behavioral Responses of Mercenaria mercenaria and Crassostrea virginica Larvae to Ocean Acidification and Cochlodinium polykrikoides Toxicity: A Novel Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ulva spp. in Mitigating Stressors Threatening Bivalve Larvae in Long Island Waters, Joleen Shau submitted the project, The Effect of Defocus on Contrast Detection and Its Implications for Myopia Development and Prevention, Jayden Simon submitted the project, A Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Microorganisms Utilizing Metagenomics To Determine the Effects of Plastic Polymer Types on Microbial Communities and Mason Tso submitted the project, Decoding Nonverbal Social Interactions Through Eye Movements With Soft Magnetic Skin and 3D Printed Magnetometer Glasses.

Their advanced science research teachers are Barbi Frank and Ryan Gendels. Robert Soel serves as the school’s science/STEAM chairperson.

"Each of our winners is an exemplary science research student with impressive academic achievements and talent in STEM," added Soel. "They are critical thinkers, innovators, and truly creative young scientists.  Their unique research projects have made authentic contributions to the fields of behavioral science, medicine, ecology, evolutionary biology and biomedical engineering."

Fourteen students total from Kennedy submitted research projects, as well as several from the district’s other two high schools, Calhoun and Mepham. Since 2004, there have been 71 research scholars and semifinalists from the Kennedy the Advanced Science Research program.

The scholars completed three years of independent research in their respective school’s Advanced Science Research Program. Each of the 300 Regeneron Scholars is awarded $2,000 for themselves and $2,000 to support science and research at their respective schools.

"Congratulations to the 300 scholars in this year's Regeneron Science Talent Search," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News.  "With a record-breaking number of applications, these exceptional young scientists and engineers represent the best in the nation. We are thrilled to celebrate their ingenuity, hard work, and passion for STEM."

From that select pool of scholars, 40 student finalists will be selected on Jan. 23 and are invited to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000. 

A new cohort at Kennedy High School seeks to bring together student groups to further foster cooperation, collaboration, and inclusivity within the school community.

Representatives from the Muslim Student Association, Black Student Union, Jewish Student Union, Asian Pacific Student Association and Latino Student Union gathered for the group’s first meeting in December. Students not only shared food and desserts, but also participated in belonging circles and service activities. The leaders from each cultural group shared reflections on their holiday traditions and the values these celebrations have taught them.

"We are very open with each other and excited to learn about each other’s cultures and traditions,” said Madi Lange, co-president of the school’s JSU chapter.  

This Unity Council is being built on a culture of openness and acceptance. 

“Watching our student leaders come together to celebrate their diverse traditions and cultures fills me with hope and pride,” said the collective group’s faculty advisor Brad Seidman. “At a time when division often makes the news, these terrific young people are showing us a better way forward. These students understand that true leadership means building bridges while celebrating what makes each of us unique.” 

Students have already been collaborating with other high schools in the CHSD as well. 

Members of the Black Student Union have worked with Sanford H. Calhoun’s Racial Equity Club, while members of the Muslim Student Association previous collaborated with Wellington C. Mepham High School’s Muslim Student Association on an EID event.  

At Kennedy, these five groups plan on meeting monthly, as well as attending each other’s meetings to help solidify the foundation for the Unity Council. They are also working on fundraising, collection drives, and other community service efforts in their individual groups.  

“A multi-cultural night is currently being planned at the school, hopefully in March,” explained Haniyyah Myricks, president of the Black Student Union.

Date Added: 12/20/2024

The Asian Pacific Student Association at Kennedy High School and The Hearts & Hope Project, a student-led organization, collaborated for a creative charity event on Nov. 19. 

Dozens of student volunteers turned out to create origami cranes for children centers, including The Ronald McDonald House on Long Island. Senior Joleen Shau, president of both the APSA and The Hearts & Hope Project, donated all the supplies. 

“This is my passion project, it’s what I enjoy doing,” added Shau. She noted that The Hearts & Hope Project “aims to promote optimism in community through handcrafts and basic necessities.” 

Shau carefully instructed students on best folding practices and then walked around, guiding students as necessary.  Other founding board members also assisted, including Farah Khan, Kristina Shau, Tazulanna Baron, Natalie Baron and Jocelyn Yeung. 

The club, which is advised by teacher Brad Seidman, has facilitated several events that raise awareness about Asian Pacific culture to its 50+ members. These events have included trivia contests, presentations about holidays and cuisine tastings. 

Click here to view the Kennedy Club Origami slideshow.

Date Added: 11/20/2024