P’ville Middle School Science GEEKS Qualify for State Finals

Three cheers for the GEEKS (Great Enthusiastic Educated Kid Scientists), Pleasantville Middle School’s Science Olympiad team.  The GEEKS scored big at the Regional Science Olympiad held on March 8 at Scarsdale Middle School, taking fourth place (out of 32 teams) and qualifying for the New York State Finals in Rochester on April 4-5. Along the way, team members racked up some outstanding results: six first place finishes out of the twenty challenges; two first and third place finishes in the same challenge; and fifteen medals. Even more impressive: this after-school extended learning opportunity is only in its second year, which speaks volumes about the students and their dedicated coaches. They are now busily engaged in preparing for the state competition and raising funds for the trip. If you wish to support their efforts, donations can be made out and sent to Pleasantville Middle School (write STEM Fund/SO in the memo line), 40 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville NY 10570.

Team members include Riik Acharaya, Ben Baylies, Daniel Bucci, Andrei Captan, Rohan Chandy, Allegra Copland, Akimoto Cornelius, Ellen Ferranto, Ella Furniss, Jonathan Hayes, Ned Huerster, Kayley Lewis, Chloe Peters, Maya Sauthoff, and Anu Subramanya.

Melissa Brown, the school’s Extended Learning Coordinator, and volunteers Martha and Chuck Matteo run the Science Olympiad program. Coaches include teachers Janine Fugarino, Stephanie Imperato, and Jennifer McGuire; ninth grader Megha Patel; and community volunteers Mary Baylies, Libby Brennesholtz, Dipak Chandy, Noel Furniss, Bob Hughes, Jim Lewis, Nancy Maika, Chuck Matteo, Helen Meurer, and Ben Serebin.

Pictures: Chuck Matteo