​Ossining Students Dominate at Prestigious STEM Competition

Ossining High School Science Research students achieved top honors at the Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (WR-JSHS). Held on January 20th at Yorktown Central School District, the 22nd annual WR-JSHS included nearly 400 students and more than 100 STEM professionals from a variety of fields serving as judges.

Eight outstanding Ossining students placed at the top of their category and will advance to the state level of the competition in Albany next month for a chance to win a trip to National JSHS.

JSHS is a prestigious competition that recognizes and promotes the talents of high school students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, JSHS encourages students to pursue careers in STEM disciplines through scholarships and recognition of outstanding research.

Ossining Finalists at JSHS include:

1st Place: Shae Shandroff, Elena Prisament, Gabriel Sankar, Conrad Blaha, Lily MacNamara

2nd Place: Thomas Cong, Anabel Reed

3rd Place: Ella Castrillon, Isabella Vinces

4th Place: Katelyn Battacharia, Ella Castrillon, Syed Zaidi

5th Place: Benjamin Sankar

Additionally, Senior Syed Zaidi's project was among the top 4 in the nation, selected by the American Academy of Neurology. Syed has been awarded a $1,000 cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to the annual American Academy of Neurology (AAN) conference in Denver this April, where he will present his groundbreaking work.

The AAN Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, provides top-tier education and opportunities to connect with professionals globally.

Ossining High School also celebrated three more winners at the local level of the competition who demonstrated excellence but did not advance to the state level.

Lily MacNamara secured 1st place, Carolena Thompson achieved 2nd place, and Juan Pablo Narvaez earned 3rd place. Their achievements further showcase the depth of talent and dedication within Ossining's Science Research Program.

Directed by teachers Angelo Piccirillo and Valerie Holmes, the Ossining Science Research Program is a three-year academic endeavor that empowers students to conduct novel, independent research at the graduate level. Culminating in the senior year, students apply to prestigious science competitions on both the local and national levels to present their research.

“This level of success is astonishing and a testament to the hard work and inspirational leadership that Mr. Piccirillo and Ms. Holmes bring to our science research program, said Chris DeMattia, Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.” Our students stand out consistently as the strongest science research students in the region, representing a sophistication, passion, and refined skill set that is a hallmark of our program in Ossining.”

Interim Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter added, “These exceptional accomplishments reflect the dedication and excellence ingrained in our educational programs. Congratulations to the students and educators for their remarkable success, showcasing Ossining High School's commitment to fostering talent and innovation."