Smithtown High School East Students Honored at Department of Energy Annual Conference

After winning the National Department of Energy’s BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge, Smithtown High School East's ThINK Discovery Science Research Program students were recently honored at the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office’s 9th annual conference.

The winning student team – Lexington Zografakis, Sydney Bracht, Sidney Davis and Catriona Sheppard – along with their program coordinator Maria Zeitlin, were recognized before an audience of hundreds of bioenergy professionals including scientists, administrators and stakeholders.

The team’s winning infographic “Cellulosic Ethanol: Fuel of the Future,” which combined artistic styling, scientific research and clear representations about the process as well as the advantages and obstacles of cellulosic ethanol as a fuel source, was displayed throughout the event.

The top three teams were counted down in a live webinar announcement hosted by the Bioenergy Office.

“The excitement was palpable,” Zeitlin said. “All of the students celebrated together when we realized we swept the competition and placed first, second and third. The topic of bioenergy is relevant in today’s scientific
climate, and the infographic challenge provided the opportunity to go beyond the typical classroom curriculum.”

The team spent three days in Washington, D.C., with BETO staff where they were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Library of Congress.

In addition, the students spent the afternoon at the U.S. Capitol meeting with their Congressman Rep. Lee Zeldin.

Photo Caption: From left: Smithtown High School East ThINK Discovery Science Research Program coordinator Maria Zeitlin, along with students Lexington Zografakis, Sydney Bracht, Sidney Davis and Congressman Rep. Lee Zeldin.

Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District