Three Educational Complex students representing Virgin Islands public schools participated in the Intel International Science and Engineering (ISEF) Fair held May 8-16, in San Jose, California. At the fair, Complex students and students from around the globe tackled challenging scientific questions using authentic research practices to create solutions to the problems of tomorrow, according to a press release from St. Croix Superintendent Gary Molloy.
Impressed by the intense emphasis being placed on mathematics, science and technology, Superintendent Molloy was very excited about Complex’s participation in the high-tech international fair saying, “This is testament that academia is alive and well in our schools as well as the high level of research work that is taking place.”
Team D’s in-house presentation at St. Croix Educational Complex emerged as the school’s top research project and was honored for its hard work by being selected to compete at the ISEF. Team leader Mendrel Symphorien, a senior, soon off to university, presented a paper on biological research. Other presenters were Jaleel Benjamin, an eleventh grader and Stephanie Rhoden, a tenth grader. “The intense work of these youngsters, all with high aspirations to study math, science or related fields, is truly amazing, and we are proud of their accomplishments,” said Ann Marie Gibbs, lead teacher and team coach.
Gibbs thanked Principal Kurt Vialet, team mentor JoAnn Lewis, Dr. William Coles of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Earl Famucol from the University of the Virgin Islands as well as other educational personnel and community members for their support on the project.
District Science Coordinator Rosa White and Mathematics Coordinator Juanita Boneque have joined forces to support the research efforts of all students in the public school system who are interested in the study of math/science and related fields as possible career paths.
For more information on science and math programs in the schools, call 773-1095, ext. 7059 for Rosa White or ext. 7054 for Juanita Boneque.
