Shelton Students Excel in Science, Robotics

Shelton students recently picked up awards at both the annual state science fair and robotics competitions.

Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) reports that 24 high school teams from CL&P and Yankee Gas' service territories have been awarded a total of $15,500 in grants to help fund their efforts in the upcoming 2012 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition.

's Gaelhawks, along with 17 other teams, was awarded a $500 grant, while seven top-placing teams were awarded $1,000 grants.

"It is really exciting to see that the teams are from all over the state," said Jim Muntz, president and chief operating officer of CL&P. "These are students who see the value in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These are skills that are vital to this country's future."

Applications were judged on team diversity, what types of fundraising the teams were involved with, how these teams have helped mentor other FIRST Robotics teams, and commitment and involvement in community service.

*****

Meanwhile, the top eight projects from the Shelton High School Science Fair were entered into the 64th Annual Statewide Connecticut Science Fair held March 13-17 at Quinnipiac University. They included:

• Fire Retardant Paint (Rachel Cataudella, Myles Hoponick, Alessandra Boisvert);

• What is the Fastest to Solve a Sudoku Puzzle? (Michael Dellolio, Ryan Zuklie, Alex Wlcek);

• Return of the Germ (Thomas Ball);

• Bass Attack (Gary Thompson Jr., Ryan Daiss);

• How Radiation of Cell Phones Affects Cells (Caroline Steadham, Johnna Bakalar, Syndey Carter);

• Effects of Humidity on Music (Lauren Montagna, Alyssa Johnson);

• The Application of LT and 5-HTP in Serotonin Synthesis (Anna Maria Marini)

• Revolutionary Cancer Treatment: A Simulation of Nanocarriers Using Swarm Intelligence for Targeted Cancer Cells (Rigel Mahmood)

Three of the teams earned the distinction of first honors. Rigel Mahmood earned first honors and the distinction of finalist for senior high school physical sciences. She was awarded a CT Science Fair medallion and acrylic award for being selected as a finalist for the Dominion’s Millstone Power Station Physical Sciences Award; second place for the Xerox Computer Science Awards, which included $300, a trophy and a medal; the Intel Excellence in Computer Science Award, which included $200 and a certificate; and the IEEE, Connecticut Section Award, for which she received honorable mention.

The team of Caroline Steadham, Sydney Carter and Johnna Bakalar was awarded a CT Science Fair medallion and acrylic award for being selected a finalist for the Pfizer Life Science Award in the senior high team life science category.

The team of Ryan Zuklie, Alex Wlcek and Mike Dellolio was awarded a CT Science Fair medallion and acrylic award for being selected as a finalist for the Dominion’s Millstone Power Station Physical Sciences Award. They were also awarded third place for the Xerox Computer Science Awards, which included $200, a trophy and a medallion.

Headmaster Beth Smith commented: “I am proud of all of our students who participated in the CT State Science Fair. Having three of our eight teams achieve first honors is a tribute to their hard work and the hard work of our science department.”