Montrose’s Miranda Kephart Wins Siemens Award for AP Math and Science

On Feb. 3 Miranda Kephart, a senior at Hendrick Hudson High School, was named one of two of the New York state winners of the 2010 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, a signature program of the Siemens Foundation administered by the College Board. Nevin Daniel, a senior at Ward Melville High School, was the other winner.

The awards recognize up to 100 of America’s top achievers in Advanced Placement Program (AP) science and mathematics courses with a $2,000 college scholarship to one male and one female student in each state.  Two national winners are also recognized, each receiving a $5,000 scholarship.  This year, 98 high school students in 50 states – including 91 seniors, six juniors and one sophomore – were recognized.    

“These students lead the nation in performance on AP math and science courses and we are proud to support them as they strive for excellence,” said Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, President of the Siemens Foundation.

Kephart has taken 12 courses, and has already received the Bausch and Lomb Award for achievement in science. She plans to study computer science in college and aspires to become a computer science researcher or professor. Kephart says her interest in science and math was sparked by Brian Greene’s physics book, An Elegant Universe, which she read in elementary school.

“The Advanced Placement Program is an effective tool for fostering student achievement in math and science, and by rewarding students who excel in AP science and math, the Siemens Foundation is investing in our nation’s next generation of scientists and mathematicians,” said Gaston Caperton, President of the College Board.