Highlighting the many award-winning research projects completed this year, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School held its 11th annual Science Research Symposium in the school’s cafeteria on May 13. Joined by administrators, Board of Education members, local government officials, family and friends, the students proudly displayed their hard work and dedication to science.
 

Guests were invited for a gallery walk to witness some of the projects completed by students in the varying levels of science research classes at the high school. Science chairperson Renee Locker, alongside science teachers Tracy Wenzler and Dr. Kaitlyn Thompson, welcomed guests and acknowledged the students’ many successes and the research program overall. Seniors were called to the podium to receive certificates and be honored for their hard work. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta applauded the students for their passion for the sciences. “Your passion for discovery is inspiring,” he said. “Remember, the journey of science is not always a straight line. It includes setbacks, surprises, and moments when the data may not make sense. But every challenge you face brings you closer to understanding the world, and your success and the success of your fellow science research students speaks to the support and guidance you receive from your mentors both at the Walton G. O'Connell Copiague High School and the variety of institutions with which you collaborate.”
 

Students from Introduction to Science Research, Independent Science Research, Advanced Placement Science Research and Advanced Science Research classes presented and showcased some of their research findings. To close out the event, keynote speaker Dr. Youngjoo Kim, associate professor at SUNY Old Westbury, urged students to continue their hard work and dedication to the sciences and keep working to make a change in the world.