OHS Students Earn Top Spots at Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

Seniors in Ossining High School’s Science Research program recently showcased their individual projects at the Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). The 21st annual competition was held at John Hay High School in Cross River, where more than 200 students from the two counties competed for 32 spots. Nine OHS students will advance to compete at the state level in Albany in early March.

Additionally, four other Ossining seniors placed first for presenting formal PowerPoint presentations of their completed research projects. For the Ossining seniors, this was the first in-person science competition the students experienced, as the event was held virtually in prior years due to the pandemic.

“Despite there being a few extra jitters, our students thoroughly enjoyed the experience to present their individual research projects to a panel of expert judges and their success is testament to their resilience and determination,” said Angelo Piccirillo, OHS Science Teacher and Co-Director of the Science Research Program. “We are so proud!”

JSHS is a Department of Defense sponsored program that encourages high school students to conduct original research in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and publicly recognizes students for outstanding achievement. Students must first participate in their regional symposium where they compete for selection to present at the national symposium each year.

“These young scholars and their teachers continue to showcase the outstanding work being done in the Science research program,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Raymond Sanchez. “I’m incredibly proud of our dedicated students and their groundbreaking achievements in STEM.”

The annual competition also recognizes teachers for their exceptional contributions to promoting student research. According to JSHS, the program reaches more than 8,000 high school students and teachers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Department of Defense Schools of Europe and the Pacific each year.

“I love these events because it brings the best out of our students. Not only from our program but all the other amazing young scientists from our region,” said Valerie Holmes, OHS Science Teacher and Co-Director of the Science Research Program. “To see Ossining's science research students stand out amongst this group is truly satisfying and we look forward to the New York State competition.”