Class of 2020 Friends to Pursue their Passions at Yale, Harvard

Ossining High School seniors Fanny Zhang and Michelle Lin have been friends since kindergarten. It wasn’t until ninth grade that they got to know Raymond Liu. The three friends have many things in common – their parents immigrated to the United States from China, their families either own or work in local Chinese restaurants, they all excelled in OHS’ Science Research Program, and they are all headed to Ivy League schools this fall, to name a few.

Raymond, who will attend Yale University, said the drive and ideals they share are the foundation of their friendship. “I think what really drew us together was that although we are all vastly different in terms of personality, we all have a great sense of humor and love to joke around with each other,” he said. “I feel that this is how we kept each other grounded and humble, and at the same time pushed each other to be the best that we can be.”

The friends were among 354 OHS graduates in the Class of 2020. Their graduation was pre-recorded earlier this month, and the district posted the video online last Saturday– the originally scheduled date for graduation.

Fanny, who will also attend Yale, said Raymond and Michelle have had a tremendous impact on her life. “They are both so supportive of me and at the same time, they push me to be a better student and person,” she said.

All three said the Science Research Program allowed them to pursue their passions and develop their research, writing and presentation skills. They also benefited from the guidance and assistance of its co-teachers, Angelo Piccirillo and Valerie Holmes.

Fanny said she wouldn’t be where she is without the program. “The teachers kind of like push you to your limits. From that I’ve learned that whatever I’m capable of, I’m probably capable of way more,” she said.

“Mr. Pic” is so supportive, Fanny said. “I feel so lucky to have been his student,” she said. The same is true for Ms. Holmes, who gives great advice.

“They really put Ossining on the map and it’s amazing to see how much work they put in to create opportunities for their students,” she said.

Mr. Piccirillo said Fanny, Raymond and Michelle are standouts at OHS. “They are wonderful students but even more than that, they are wonderful people – mature, kind to a fault, if that is possible,” he said.

“It is so rare to have all these qualities in one student, but to have three in one graduating class and all in our program, it is truly amazing. I think the degree of altruism they have shown to help others in the program has elevated the quality of the research produced.”

Raymond said Ms. Holmes and Mr. Piccirillo have greatly influenced and guided him. He was a “shy kid” when he started the program, and he developed his speaking, presenting and writing skills over the three years. He learned about collaboration and research working in a lab with Dr. Dazhong Xu, New York Medical College assistant professor and vice chair of research.

Raymond said everyone in Science Research learns that hard work pays off. Last fall, he won a silver medal at the Korea Science & Engineering Fair for his cancer research.

He investigated the molecular mechanisms that allow Gene 33 to function as a tumor suppressor that prevents carcinogen hexavalent chromium from damaging DNA and transforming cells. He identified a novel protein-protein interaction between Gene 33 and a catalytic sub-unit of DNA polymerase delta (p125) and its adapter protein (p46). In doing so, he diagnosed a network that provides a rationale for developing future targeted cancer therapies.

“The entire thing is a learning experience, but definitely one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” he said.

Michelle, who will attend Harvard University, said the program has taught her skills in presenting, writing and other areas, and shaped what she will study in college and pursue as a career – astrophysics.

“My parents really want me to go to college and pursue something that I really want to do,” she said.

Her interest in astrophysics started with a Japanese anime called “Sailor Moon,” which she watched as a child.

The focus of her research was life on other planets. She found that magnetic fields play a large role in determining whether planets are habitable. Michelle worked with Dr. Michael Lam, a Rochester Institute of Technology physics and astronomy professor.

“I was able to find a certain region that could actually be more habitable than other regions,” said Michelle, who is also interested in black holes and dark energy.

Fanny said she has always been drawn to studying the human body. Her focus now is the human brain, which weighs just 3 pounds.

“What we know now is barely scratching the surface,” she said. “The networking that happens in our brain is super mysterious. Whatever they’re reading now in textbooks is so preliminary compared to what our brain really does.”

She investigated the early, pre-clinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Many people are diagnosed at an advanced stage, but she looked at how excitotoxicity in the brain and the over-activation of calcium channels lead to a cascade of neurodegeneration. She found some changes in the calcium channels that could lead to Alzheimer’s. By understanding the early stage’s underlying mechanisms, researchers can develop more effective therapies.

Both Raymond and Fanny want to be trauma surgeons. Raymond plans to major in biological sciences. “I always knew I was interested in a challenge,” Raymond said. “Helping other people is something that has always been of interest to me.”

Fanny said emergency medicine will be challenging and keep her on her toes. She also wants to be involved in research and possibly teach medical students.

“I really do like the element of surprise,” said Fanny, who plans to major in economics with a concentration in health.

Her parents immigrated to the United States separately in their early 20s. They own China City, a small takeout restaurant in Briarcliff, where Fanny still works.

“I remember being 9 and my mom training me to be a cashier,” she said. “I’m so grateful that she did that. I learned so many lessons from working at the restaurant.”

Fanny said her parents “are truly the foundation to the motivation within me. Without the sacrifices they make and bravery they present every day, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Michelle said she helps out at China Wok on Main Street in Ossining, which her parents own.

Her parents immigrated to the United States in pursuit of better educational opportunities. Unfortunately, learning English was not easy for them. It is important to them that Michelle and her younger brother, Johnny Chen, have better educational opportunities.

Raymond, who has an older brother named Benny, said his parents immigrated separately and met here. His father was 16 and was by himself, said Raymond, who thinks about how little his dad had compared to everything the family has now.

“It was kind of like the American dream,” Raymond said. “He could build a better life for himself and for his children.”

Both his parents work at Hunan Garden in Briarcliff, which he calls his “second home.”

“I’ve spent a lot of hours there helping out and I think it’s taught me a lot of hard working skills. I didn’t enjoy it as a kid. It definitely shaped who I am today, so I think in the end I’m grateful for what they’ve done,” he said.

The three friends had many classes together but pursued separate extracurricular activities. Michelle joined the varsity swim team in seventh grade. She played flute and percussion in the school band, and piano outside of school. Raymond played lacrosse throughout high school and participated in winter track for two years. He was in the Engineering Club for a year.

Fanny was Student Council president this year and the Class of 2020 vice president. She was the editor-in-chief for “The Current” at OHS. She played varsity tennis for three years, and ran long distance for the track and field team one year.

The three of them are grateful for one another’s friendship. Michelle said Fanny and Raymond’s similar backgrounds put her at ease and she can open up to them.

“They’re both very determined individuals and have always dedicated themselves towards exceeding standards,” Michelle said, adding this has motivated her to excel and pursue her passion.

“Moreover, they’re some of the most genuine and supportive people I know,” she said. “Regardless of the challenges I’ve encountered, I can always count on them to be there for me.”