RBC Junior Represents NJ at National STEM Conference

Red Bank Catholic junior Junior Phillip Mejia recently received an Award of Excellence for representing RBC and the state of New Jersey at the 2015 Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston, Massachusetts. The Congress, established by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, selects the country’s most promising high school students who aspire to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for special recognition and ongoing mentorship.

During the three day conference, Phillip and his fellow delegates were personally taught by some of the greatest living minds in science and technology, including winners of the Nobel Prize, award winning young inventors, deans of the world’s ten top universities, Ivy League academic leaders, established science and tech leaders, and emerging prodigies in the field.

Phillip enjoyed interacting with his peers who share a passion for science and technology and learning from the inspirational speakers. He says that the most impressive part was “being able to learn how the speakers got to the position that they are in now through their own personal experiences, how they overcame obstacles in their lives, and how they are changing the world for the better through their careers.” With hopes to study aerospace engineering in college and one day work for NASA, Phillip truly appreciated the chance to listen to Astronaut Buzz Aldrin talk about his challenges, experiences, and the “inside story” about landing on the moon.

Phillip is in his second year with the RBC Lab Assistants, a group of students who help science teachers to prepare lab equipment, make solutions, and assist with inventory. Science Department Chair Mrs. Mary Jane Davis notes that Phillip is a valuable resource “whenever a piece of new technology is added that we need to troubleshoot.”

Red Bank Catholic is also proud to announce that Junior Mediha Abas has been invited to attend the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders this upcoming summer in Boston. Congratulations to Phillip and Mediha on their academic achievement, leadership potential, and determination to contribute to the field of science and technology!

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