Schools

Plainview JFK Scores Major Achievement in Siemens Challenge

An unprecedented 10 research teams are finalists; 20 percent of all finalists nationwide.

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Plainview JFK has scored an unprecedented achievement, placing 10 Sophomore Research Program teams in the finals of the Siemens "We Can Change the World Challenge."

The 10 Plainview teams are among 50 finalists nationwide, comprising an unprecedented 20 percent of all Siemens finalists nationwide.

“On behalf of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, I would like to congratulate Ms. Mertz, Mr. Schlissel, Dr. Rauch and the brilliant student research teams for this phenomenal and unprecedented accomplishment,” said Plainview Superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis.

“We are all extremely proud of our outstanding research teams and mentors,” said Plainview JFK Principal James Murray. “This incredible achievement is a testament to the talent and dedication of these students, their teachers and the school district as a whole.”

Plainview JFK Research Teacher Maria Andreas-Mertz mentored the following five finalist teams:

  • Quatro Quirky Quarks – Jordann Lewis, Jennifer Hwang, Roshni Sethi, Dan Kwon.
  • The Aquafors – Gabrielle Bettan, Jessica Pinsker
  • The Plain Viewers of Science - Victoria Ring, Carly Schindler, Amelia Channin.
  • The Recyclables – Joshua Aber, Madalyn Fernbach, Erik Kolton.
  • Food for Fuel – Athina Vrosgou, Saira Khan.
Plainview Research Teacher Gary Rauch mentored the following three finalist teams:
  • JAM – Jasmine Lee, Aditi Mohapatra, Melanie Hornstein
  • Team R&R – Sarah Fox, Adam Palasciano, Steven Rothman
  • Team MJ – Madison Levine, Jordan Stolar
Plainview Research Teacher Aaron Schlissel mentored the following two finalist teams:
  • Ecowarriors – Peter Sallie, Bryan Wang, Nicholas Godino, Alec Speller
  • Tyler Team – Tyler Fenton, Nigel Kravatz, Matthew Fernbach.
All three research teachers praised their students' hard work and achievement:

“Their hard work and determination shows in all of their accomplishments,” Andreas-Mertz said.

All Finalists gained recognition from the competition and received a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge green prize pack.

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge encourages teams of high school students to identify an environmental issue that has local, national and global implications and to provide a viable, replicable solution. Teams must select an environmental topic relating to energy, biodiversity, land management, water conservation and clean-up and/or air and climate.

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