GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) recognized and honored high school students from New York’s Third Congressional District for their achievements in life science, computer science, and mathematics in the Regeneron Science Talent Search and the Congressional App Challenge.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory hosted the ceremony, during which Suozzi was introduced by Dr. Bruce Stillman, President and CEO.

“Amidst what seems like only negative news, the good news shines brightly. Despite representing just 0.2% of the U.S. population, New York’s Third Congressional District boasts 8.3% of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars,” said Suozzi. “The Third Congressional District has consistently produced the brightest young talent the nation has to offer. This achievement is a testament to these students’ hard work and dedication and the exceptional high schools they attend. These students represent the future of our community and our country, and I am proud to honor their remarkable accomplishments.”

Of the 300 high school seniors from across the country who advanced in the first round of the annual Regeneron Science Talent Search, 49 are from Long Island, and a very impressive 25 are from the 3rd Congressional District.

Two students, Emma Wen of Great Neck North High School and Sandeep Sawhney of Herricks High School, have advanced and have been named finalists in the competition. They are among the 40 finalists nationwide who will compete in March for the more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals of Tarrytown, NY.

The students honored by Congressman Suozzi represent twelve high schools in the 3rd Congressional District: Cold Spring Harbor High School, Great Neck North High School, Great Neck South High School, Herricks High School, Jericho High School, Manhasset High School, Mineola High School, North Shore High School, Plainview-Old Bethpage High School, Paul D. Schreiber High School, Syosset High School, and The Wheatley School.

Suozzi also recognized the winner and runner-up of the Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives in which high school students use a programming language to create an application for a PC, web, tablet, mobile device, or other device.

First place was awarded to Aditya Varma of Syosset High School. Aditya’s app, “Rent Your Driveway,” is a game-changer for drivers and homeowners alike. It makes it easier to find private driveway parking near essential locations like schools, hospitals, and train stations. It’s a practical solution that efficiently addresses a common problem.

Stephanie Sze of Manhasset High School was the runner-up. Stephanie’s “College Buddy” app streamlines the college search process, helping high school students discover the best options based on their unique interests. By empowering students to make informed decisions about their future, “College Buddy” plays a crucial role in shaping their educational journey.

Suozzi’s office received applications from 28 students representing 11 high schools in New York’s Third Congressional District, the largest number in the seven years that Suozzi has sponsored the Congressional App Challenge.