Sayville High School Students Participate in Medical Marvels Competition

Three students from the Sayville High School R.I.S.E. Tech research program participated in the Northwell Health Medical Marvels Competition at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, New York. The students submitted a research paper and presented their project poster, titled “Peer Protect Partners: Keeping the Community Safe,” to Northwell Health professionals, scientists, and fellow students representing 29 schools from across Long Island.

The Medical Marvels research team—Gavin Walsh, Dylan Breunig, and Gavin Sack—collaborated to develop a research project focused on growing public health concerns surrounding gun safety and its impact on student wellbeing and school communities. Their project, Peer Protect Partners, is a preventive system designed to notify trusted household members if a firearm is accessed. Their goal is to promote responsible firearm safety through community awareness and technological monitoring systems.

In preparation for the competition, the students conducted research, analyzed current safety challenges, and developed both a scientific paper and a poster presentation outlining their solution. Participation in Medical Marvels gave them the opportunity to share their ideas with healthcare and research professionals while gaining valuable experience in scientific communication and problem-solving.

Participation in the Medical Marvels Competition reflects the mission of Sayville High School’s R.I.S.E. Tech program, which encourages students to explore real-world challenges through research, engineering, and innovative problem solving. Under the guidance of their advisor, Rick Caskey, students develop projects that combine science, technology, and community awareness while gaining experience in professional research and presentation.

“Gavin, Dylan, and Gavin exemplify the creativity, curiosity, and dedication we strive to cultivate in our students,” said Stephanie Bricker, Sayville High School principal. “Their project addresses a critical community issue with innovative thinking, and their participation in the Medical Marvels Competition highlights the real-world impact of Sayville’s R.I.S.E. TECH program.”

For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saydistrictpr. #CaringAndLearning