Levittown resident Lenny Gomez, a senior at Division Avenue High School, made history last month when he became a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search. This is the first time in the history of the school district that a student has been selected as a semifinalist in this very difficult competition. Even entering the competition can often be difficult, and Division had seven students enter this year. With the guidance of their science teacher Linda Trusz, the seven students went through the application process and all cheered on their fellow classmate when the news came on Jan. 16.

Students at Division used their new state-of-the-art science labs, which Principal Dr. Harry Chertok explained has only been in the school for a short time, to conduct their research. He added that the science research program is only in its fifth year at the high school.

Students start researching and working on their projects in their freshman year and continue to refine them throughout their high school career, for approximately 3 1/2 years. Then in the fall of their senior year, they can apply for the competition. Students oftentimes would come in before and after school, as well as on holidays to work on their projects. Among the projects that were entered was Gomez's study of probiotics, the killing agent inside of leaves.

"This is a terrific tribute to Lenny's hard work," Dr. Chertok said, "Also it is affirmation of the support that the board and Dr. Sirois has given us."

Dr. Chertok added that the great support and faith that the teachers at Division, especially Ms. Trusz, has provided the students has helped them tremendously to come up with credible research.

"Oftentimes in education start a program and have no idea how successful it's going to be, or if it's going to be successful at all," he said. "This is one of those success stories."

Dr. Chertok said that the school, as well as the entire district, is certainly very proud of the students' accomplishments.

"All the kids in that program put in an inordinate amount of time, not only during the school year but vacations, weekends and summers, to work on their projects," he said. "They are truly a great group of kids. [These projects] have been a terrific learning experience for them."