On Oct. 22, Amplify, a parent support group for Pelham Memorial High School’s science research program, held its third annual Wag-a-Thon fundraiser on Esplanade. Participants donated to walk their dogs down the street. The event is not only to raise money but to help build community awareness for the program.
Funds raised through events like the Wag-a-Thon support students as they prepare and present their research at state, national and international symposia. The funds also assist students with expenses pertaining to grants for projects, materials and competition-related expenses. Donations also give students who do not work in a traditional lab setting the opportunity to purchase materials and create projects at home.
Sahana Ganapathy, a freshman in science research, said, “I liked that everyone got to bring their dog and how science research opens up so many different opportunities, especially for the freshman because they are just figuring out what they want to do and what field they want to get into.”
Students were able to speak about their projects, hold a bake sale and sell science research-themed apparel.
“What I love most about the program is that it gives a wide range of opportunities to students who have unique interests that range from biology, engineering and entrepreneurship to humanities,” said Steven Beltecas, the teacher who runs science research. “Our goal is to support the passion students have based on their own interests.”
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