Students Earn Top Spots in Science Research

For the second straight year, Pelham Memorial High School’s Science Research was one of the County’s top performing programs at the 2023 Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair Awards Ceremony with the maximum of three students earning first place in their respective categories. Congratulations to the following students:

Sienna Giuseppi: Environmental Science 

Emma Van Praagh: Neuroscience

Robbie Shepherd: Physics & Astronomy

By placing first all three students earned the opportunity to participate in the world renowned Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, which will be held in Dallas, TX this month. 

In addition to having three first place winners, PMHS also had the largest contingent of students invited to the Awards Ceremony of all participating schools from across Westchester and Putnam Counties. 

“Each year, our science research program continues to fill Pelham with pride and we rightfully speak about it as one of the premier programs in the region. This year, with three first place awards and the most students earning recognition of any other school, I am thrilled to say our program is simply the best in class,” said Dr. Cheryl Champ, Superintendent of Schools. “Please join me in congratulating our students and thanking our Science Research Teachers Steve Beltecas and Joe DiBello, as well as Dr. Tom Callahan, Director of Math & Science for continuing to guide our science research program and take it to even greater heights.”

In addition to the success at WSEF, the University at Albany recently hosted more than 450 science research students and teachers for the 38th annual Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (Upstate NY JSHS). PMHS Senior Julia Meyerson was named one of the top five student researchers at the entire symposium. For this achievement, Julia and the four other finalists were selected to present their research at the 61st National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium this month in Virginia Beach, VA. 

“This is an indication of the incredibly high level work taking place each day in our Science Research program and Science department,” said PMHS Principal Mark Berkowitz. “I am so incredibly proud of our students and our faculty for these accomplishments. Together they have made our entire community proud.”