Ossining Students Named Intel Semifinalists
Four Ossining High School students were named semifinalists in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search, the highest number of any school in Westchester County.
The students were among 300 chosen from a pool of 1,839 applicants nationwide. Since 2001, 42 Ossining students have been named semifinalists, securing the district’s place as a science powerhouse in the region. Last year eight students were recognized.
“This is an outstanding achievement for our students, our teachers, our administrators, our high school and our district,” said Dr. Phyllis Glassman, superintendent of Ossining Union Free School District. “We are so pleased that the hard work of all involved has been recognized by the most prestigious pre-college science competition in the country. We know the work of the students is of the highest caliber, and it is wonderful to have their efforts acknowledged by Intel.”
This year’s winners – Amelia Clements, Evan Olin, Emily Prentiss and Frances Russell – studied topics including the genetics of poppy plants, the mechanics of running barefoot, the protective effects of a mini stroke on the brain and how the brain processes tactile stimuli.
All of the students are members of Ossining’s Fundamentals of Science Research Program, which has 80 participants in grades 10, 11 and 12. Two science research teachers, Valerie Holmes and Angelo Piccirillo, oversee the students who also work with noted scientists in universities and research labs throughout the region.
“Success begets success,” said Holmes. “The students realize that if they work hard at it, there is a very real possibility they can be selected. The students also support one another with senior students mentoring younger ones in areas like scientific writing.”
Holmes said all of the students chose subjects they were passionate about. Evan, a runner, was curious about the physiological risks of running barefoot, a recent trend in the running community. Frances, who had a grandparent die of stroke, was curious about what happens at the cellular level in a stroke, with an eye toward someday developing better medications to prevent stroke. Emily was interested in the amount of time it takes the brain to process tactile stimuli and respond. Amelia is an avid gardener who investigated the evolutionary history of flower development in the poppy family.
The Intel Science Talent Search, formerly known as the Westinghouse contest, is the nation’s oldest student science research competition. It is funded by the Intel Corp., a California-based computer chip company.
Semifinalists win $1,000 each and a chance to compete for national scholarships, including a top prize of $100,000 while their high schools receive $1,000 matching awards.
Forty finalists will be announced on January 25 and the top 10 winners will be named in mid-March.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.