january 2023
Dear Harrison Families,
I am excited to share the January 2023 District newsletter, Highlights, featuring the many impressive accomplishments of our students.
Harrison High School seniors Ariella Blackman and Lauren Davidson were named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars for their original scientific research and are among only 300 students across the country to receive this prestigious recognition. Unprecedented in HHS history, Ariella is being recognized for a second time! Our high school Debate Team continues to achieve unprecedented success, and fifty DECA Business Club students have qualified to compete at the state level.
I invite you to read about and celebrate our students’ exceptional work and accomplishments in this edition of Highlights.
Sincerely,
Superintendent of Schools
Students Thrive in HHS Science Research Program; Two Students Named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars
Almost 80 students are conducting original, authentic research as part of Harrison High School’s Science Research Program. Starting in 10th grade students begin a three-year program of independent research in mathematics, life science, physical science, psychology, or the social sciences. Students work with mentors who are experts in their field as they pursue their research.
Science Research Students, Ariella Blackman and Lauren Davidson, were named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars, and are among the top science students in the country. The oldest and most prestigious competition for high school students, Regeneron Science Talent Search selects 300 high school students for achievement in science, technology, engineering and math. As Regeneron Scholars, Lauren and Ariella could advance to the next level of competition to compete among 40 other Regeneron Finalists. Last year, Ariella also placed 2nd at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Ariella’s research, Developing a Model In-Situ Resource Utilization System for Oxygen Sustaining Life Support and Launch Cost Reduction for Mars, included modeling cost-effective, sustainable life-support systems for human spaceflight to Mars. She has grown plants in various substrate ratios including simulated Martian regolith, potting soil, and biochar, measured various growth parameters, and developed an original mathematical model to calculate oxygen production and the amount of resources needed to support life.
Lauren’s research, The Effect of Copper (II) Sulfate Pentahydrate Concentration on Locomotor Activity and Lifespan of Alzheimer's Model Drosophila melanogaster, explores how supplementing copper impacts Alzheimer's Disease. Her study examined the effect of copper on fruit flies to determine its impact on Alzheimer's disease.
Science Research Students reflect on their their experiences and work.
|
Student Name |
Grade |
Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
|
Ariella Blackman |
12 |
Developing a Model In-Situ Resource Utilization System for Oxygen Sustaining Life Support and Launch Cost Reduction for Mars |
|
Julia |
11 |
Using Eye-Tracking Technology to Detect Emotion |
|
Lauren Davidson |
12 |
The Effect of Copper (II) Sulfate Pentahydrate Concentration on Locomotor Activity and Lifespan of Alzheimer's Model Drosophila melanogaster |
|
Andre Joubert |
12 |
How Human Encroachment on Wildlife Spaces in the KwaZulu-Natal Region on the Eastern Coast of South Africa Affect the Vulnerable Blue Duiker Population |
Click HERE for more information about their research!
HHS Students Earn Top Spots in Regionals, Headed to New York State DECA Business Competition
As student participation in DECA Business competitions continues to grow across New York State, Harrison High School students achieved at high levels at the 2023 Regional competition, which includes Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, and Albany Counties. Fifty Harrison High School Students qualified to compete in the New York State DECA Business Competition in March. The top five students in each division, and the top students who submitted business manuals at the Regional level advance to the New York State competition. Eleanor Gilmore earned 1st place and Addison Valente earned 2nd place in the Principles of Hospitality and Tourism division, and Zakaria Ahmed placed 2nd in the Business Finance division. Harrison students also earned six 3rd place, three 4th place and three 5th place positions at the competition, and 35 students in the Manual division advanced to the state competition. CLICK HERE for a complete list of student awards.
HHS Debate Team Continues to Earn Top Spots in Latest Tournaments
The Debate Team posted a multi-win performance at the Newark tournament. In the varsity division, Jack Borman was the tournament's top speaker and Jack Gessner became the second sophomore in Harrison Debate history to qualify for the Tournament of Champions. In the novice division, Beverly Kang, Andrew Gaffin, Adeena Naeem, and Harrison Fliegenspan had a four-way co-championship, and Liz Nicaj placed 7th. Beverly Kang also was named the top novice speaker. At Durham Academy's national tournament in North Carolina, Jessie Pein placed 3rd and Jack Gessner placed 4th. At Lexington High School's national tournament in Massachusetts, Andrew Gaffin was the novice champion, and Jack Borman, Brooke Schiano, and Liz Nicaj all won major awards.
Students Delight Audiences at LMK Winter Concerts
We recently enjoyed the last of our winter concerts with chorus, band and orchestra performances by 6th, 7th, and 8th grade musicians. If you were unable to attend, watch the performances on the HCSD-TV cable channels Optimum Channel 74 and Verizon FiOS Channel 961.
