Happening at the Great Neck School District

The Island Now

South Middle student to present research at National STEM Education Conference

Anant Gupta, an eighth grader at South Middle School, has been selected to present his science research paper at the 2021 Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC) on March 13.

Anant’s paper is titled, “Application for Individualized Learning Using Artificial Intelligence.” He developed the paper as a student in Brian Pernice’s Science Research class at South Middle.

“I thought about building a tool to impart knowledge based on the skill level of each student,” explains Anant. “I want to make an application (app) powered by artificial intelligence that will closely monitor the student’s past performance and response time and will provide him/her with personalized content.”

The annual ISEC conference is known for featuring cutting-edge research and experiences with integrated approaches to the study of science, math, and technology through experiences and activities based in engineering and other design disciplines. The national audience includes educators, researchers, administrators, students, and parents.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Four seniors from North High School have been honored through the 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide youth volunteer recognition program.

Alexandra Delafraz has been selected as a Distinguished Finalist at the state level, and Amelia Blumberg, Eden Fokshner, and Julia Zalta have been honored as top youth volunteers at the local level.

“Volunteerism is a vital component to serving others and our honorees exemplify the selflessness and commitment it takes to fulfill this need,” said North High Principal Dr. Dan Holtzman. “I am proud of their accomplishments and congratulate them for this well-deserved recognition.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, conducted annually by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honors students for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.

“Young people who contribute their time and talents to their communities are role models for all of us,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO Charles F. Lowrey. “We salute their dedication, their achievements, and their spirit of community.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents America’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service. Since 1995, the program has honored more than 140,000 youth volunteers at the local, state and national level.

U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates

Six seniors from the Great Neck Public Schools have been named as candidates in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Lauren Victory and Lauren Yu of North High School, and Bradley He, James Kim, David Wang and Zimi Zhang of South High School, are among more than 4,600 candidates nationwide in this year’s recognition program.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Application for this program is by invitation only.

A distinguished panel of educators will review the submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

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