On Saturday, students from PMHS’ science research program presented their research at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) regional competition held at John Jay High School in Cross River, New York. Senior Caitlin Wong placed first in the Behavioral III category and senior Francesca Di Cristofano placed third in the Cell and Microbiology I category. Wong and Di Cristofano both advance to the JSHS state competition, held in Albany.

“Winning at a competition like this with such a wide range of projects makes me feel like my hard work paid off and that people, even outside of my field, recognize the relevance of my research,” Wong said.

JSHS is a national research competition where students compete at the regional level to advance to a national competition. At states, Wong will present a slideshow presentation, while Di Cristofano will present a poster.

PMHS’ science research program is led by teachers Steven Beltecas and Joe DiBello.

“I am very proud of all the time and hard work our seniors put into preparing for their JSHS presentations,” said Beltecas. “I am excited for the opportunity they have to compete at states.”

Three other seniors competed at JSHS from the program: Sarah Ellenbogen, Jon Girolamo and Alyssa Wong.