Recognizing their hard-work, determination and curiosity, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat, hosted Westchester’s semi-finalists of the 2018 Regeneron Science Talent Search. The 22 students from 11 school districts were given a certificate of merit, and congratulated by Latimer for their resolve, hard-work and accomplishment.
“I am inspired by these remarkable students, and this astounding accomplishment. I have no doubt that they will go very far in their lives and careers,” Latimer said. “As county residents we should all be very proud of not only the students, but also their parents, teachers and the school districts we have here in Westchester.”
The semi-finalists were selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists. The topics for the students’ research projects ranged from
cellular and molecular biology, to medicine and health, to environmental science.
Each of the semi-finalists were asked to submit their independent research to compete for $2,000 in award money as well at $2,000 in college tuition assistance. Of the 300 semi-finalists selected nationwide, 23 were from Westchester. The 40 finalists will be named on Jan. 23, and will compete in Washington D.C. in March for up to $250,000 in prize money.
“Regeneron is thrilled to partner with Society for Science & the Public to celebrate the 300 Science Talent Search scholars,” said Hala Mirza, vice president of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “We are inspired by their curiosity and passion for discovery, and congratulate them on their work and dedication. We hope the Regeneron Science Talent Search shows young people everywhere that they can change the world through STEM.”
Michael Winitch, a senior at Edgemont High School, said he is thrilled to be honored by Latimer. “It’s really nice on his behalf, and it’s so great to know that so many people from my peers to teachers at my school are all so happy for me. This has been such a great experience.”
Randy Gunnell, Science Research teacher at Harrison High School, said this is the first time one of his students placed in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. “It shows a huge amount of growth and it’s so rewarding to see such a big change over the past few years. It stresses the importance of students taking ownership of their own passion, and their own research.” The first-round winners from Westchester County are as follows:
Ardsley:
Tara Venkatadri
Margaret Zhong
Blind Brook:
Jared Bassett
Byram Hills:
Alexis Aberman
Alexandra Brocato
Stella Li
Jeremy Ma
Kylie Roslin
Dobbs Ferry:
Rebecca Cadenhead
Edgemont:
Grace Wang
Michael Winitch
The Hackley School:
Jasmine Bayrooti
Harrison:
Chanha Kim
Brian Siegel
Hastings On Hudson:
Hannah Scotch
Mamaroneck:
Marina Tosi
Rebecca Marcus
Ossining:
Sarah Hoffman
Catherine Kamp
Emma San Martin
Skyler Jones
Pelham:
Jillian Harrison (Could not attend)
Yorktown:
Rory O’Brien