Five Ossining Seniors Named Finalists in Prestigious STEM Competition

Five Ossining High School (OHS) seniors have been recognized as New York State Finalists in the 2025 Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS). Anthony Jiang, Sabrina Hsieh, Reese Caparelli, Chris Grant, and Mia Vallone will showcase their innovative science research projects on February 1, 2025, at the prestigious Junior Science & Humanities Symposium, held at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY. The event is being hosted by the Rochester Institute of Technology.

JSHS, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, is a nationally recognized competition that celebrates high school students’ achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through scholarships and accolades, the program inspires students to pursue advanced STEM education and careers.

The students’ accomplishments are the result of their participation in the Ossining Science Research Program, a rigorous three-year academic experience directed by teachers Angelo Piccirillo and Valerie Holmes. The program challenges students to engage in graduate-level research, culminating in their senior year with applications to prominent science competitions at local and national levels.

“This recognition is evidence of the hard work, dedication, and curiosity these students have displayed throughout their time in the Science Research Program,” said Angelo Piccirillo, co-director of the program. “Their ability to conduct research at this level reflects the high standards we aim to instill in all of our students.”

“We are incredibly proud of Anthony, Sabrina, Reese, Chris, and Mia for this outstanding achievement,” added Valerie Holmes, co-director of the program. “They exemplify the very best of what our program seeks to achieve—innovative thinking, perseverance, and a passion for discovery.”

OHS Principal LaToya Langley expressed her pride in the students' accomplishments, highlighting that being named Finalists in the JSHS is an extraordinary achievement.

“These students not only represent the excellence of our Science Research Program but also the potential for our young minds to make meaningful contributions to the world through STEM,” said Ms. Langley. “We are thrilled to see their efforts recognized on such a prestigious stage.”

The Ossining community eagerly awaits the finalists’ presentations and celebrates their hard work and dedication to advancing STEM research.