Elmont grads pay it forward

Newly formed alumni group needs about $400 to help children attend science program

Posted

Alumni from Elmont Memorial have been fundraising $4,100 so that students may have their tuition paid to attend a summer science program, the iResearch Institute. 

The Alumni network, known as E.A.G.L.E.S., stands for Elmont Alumni Growing Leaders through Education and Service. The group became established in December of 2016. It serves as a post-high school support group comprised of successful people from Elmont who now live all over the world, said its organizer, Catrina Bowen, a 2008 Elmont graduate.

"We're at the beginning stages of creating our group now," she said. "We thought this particular fundraiser would be the perfect first attempt at bringing the members of our group together to support our school and the children."After the organization brainstormed several ideas for a first fundraiser, they came up with the idea to assist the science summer program students after a meeting with the school's principal at the time, Kevin Dougherty, Bowen said. 


The deadline for the fundraiser is Aug. 1. So far, they have raised $3,685. The program, also new to students for a summer enrichment option this year, is led by two high school science teachers, Dr. Terrence Bissoondial, who works at George W. Hewlett High School in Hewlett, and Dr. Serena McCalla, who works at Elmont. 

McCalla expressed her gratitude to the "wonderful Elmont Alumni trying to pay it forward for future scientists," she said. "I hope to have the program grow more and more in years to come and to allow more students to attend at no or reduced tuition."

The goal for the iResearch Institute is to engage students who have a passion for science whether they attend a prestigious school that encourages science research or happen upon the program accidentally, McCalla said. 

"As long as a student has a desire to embark upon a scientific journey or/and a research path, the iResearch Institute welcomes their application," she said. "My desire is to not only enhance high school students knowledge in science but to also provide an opportunity to for students to conduct groundbreaking research." 

During the iResearch Institute, three goals are key to student success as future scientists. One goal is to enable more success in advanced science classes. The second goal is to provide students with unique insights about true science research. Thirdly, the program is designed to open up doors for students to compete in science related competitions that award college scholarships and cash prizes. 

Additionally, McCalla said she thought that conducting research helps students to gain confidence in science and possibly increase their acceptance rates at the best universities in this country. "Research presents students to challenges and innovative thinking and if they persevere, this will showcase their determination and forward thinking skills," she explained. "I believe this because you must be meticulous yet show ingenuity to succeed in the science research process. Learning science can embolden the mind."

The students were chosen from a school program, Elmont Memorial Science Research. Its overall purpose during the school year, according to program director Michelle Flannory, is to help the students pursue advanced scientific research. Flannory has 15 years of science teaching experience and has worked with students who have won three Intel Semifinalists, one Intel Finalist, and a variety of successfully published papers and other recognition. Elmont has two students attending the iResearch Institute this summer, Hannah Meikle and Lina Pinzon, Flannory said, and they are the type of students who would flourish in a science research environment and enrichment program.

"Hannah and Lina were presented with the possible opportunity of iResearch and completed the 2-part application which included essays, transcripts, and teacher recommendations," she said. "The girls are both very conscientious young scholars, and won several awards for their research done in their first year of research at Elmont. Hannah is also a musician, and Lina is the president of the Elmont Future Scientists Club." 

Due to their participation in the program, the two students were unable to respond to requests for interviews as of press time.

Though the children are working hard with their research, McCalla said it was also important to allow them to also have a little fun. "We just celebrated Weird Sock Day at the Institute," she said. 

"I am fortunate to have some of the most talented, dedicated science scholars in our research program," Flannory said. "These students regularly pursue challenges that many do not encounter until they begin graduate work." "This program showcases some of the best and brightest students in New York," McCalla said.