Fourteen students from Massapequa High School Main and Ames campuses who completed scientific research on topics such as toxic waste and renewable energy, as well as socio-medical research on bullying, social networking and mental health and well-being, presented their research at the sixth annual Long Island Youth Summit at Dowling College after being selected as finalists in their science research categories.
Juniors Joseph Prusan and Ryan Gray, under the direction of science teacher and mentor August Eberling, earned top honors and were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship for their efforts in finding alternative energy sources. Prusan and Gray, as well as all the students who were invited to the summit, received a $500 scholarship for presenting their research.
“I am very proud of our students and the level of work they submitted,” said Eberling. “Dowling invited only the top 10 percent in each category. To have brought such a large contingent of students and to have placed in a category shows how dedicated our students are. We are all looking forward to competing next year.”
Ninth-grade students Kaitlyn Migliore, Jessica Sander and Linda Steiger, who work to improve school culture as members of the Chiefs Challenge Club, presented research on bullying under the mentorship of club advisors, social worker Kimberly Hession and guidance counselor Katherine Knoepffler. Ninth-grade science research students Gillian Murphy, Olivia Ferraro, Jordan Taylor, Kaitlin McWilliams, Kyra LaSpina, Nicole Leonick, Deborah Lobaccaro, Kaley Theodorous and Paul Lestingi also participated.
The students discussed their findings in small breakout sessions before reconvening for the awards presentation. They also heard from top experts in their respective fields. Students who were top category winners were offered opportunities to apply for a paid internship with the North-Shore LIJ Health System and other organizations.
