Emily Rose Melvin, a MacArthur High School senior has been named an Intel semifinalist.

"We are so proud of what Emily has accomplished here at MacArthur," said science research teacher David Friedman. "Emily took a topic that she was passionate about and worked diligently to reach her goal. I know she will achieve anything she sets her mind to."

Emily's submission, "The Rich Get Richer: An Analysis of Equity In High School Graduation Rates," examines the relationship between New York State students' socioeconomic status and their achievement of Regents diplomas.

"Emily's research project has much meaning to us as educators," stated MacArthur Principal John Bifolco. "It is important to be mindful of the differences in socioeconomic conditions in order to provide opportunities for all students to achieve their fullest potential."

Begun only five years ago, the MacArthur Science Research program, under the direction of Science Department Chair Paul Ryan, and the tutelage of teachers David Friedman and Jason VanEron, has reaped confirmation of its efforts: our second winning submission in three years!

This year's 300 semifinalists were selected from 1602 entries nationwide. Often called the "junior Nobel Prize," the Intel Science Talent Search is America's oldest and most highly regarded pre-college science competition. It brings together the best and brightest young scientific minds in America to compete for $1.25 million in scholarships. Emily will receive $1,000, with an additional $1,000 presented to MacArthur.

Emily is an AP Scholar with Honor, a member of the National Honor and Math Honor Societies, and a four-year Renaissance cardholder. In 9th grade, she was a math scholar at the Institute for Creative Problem Solving at SUNY Old Westbury, and was presented with the Elmer Heinecke Award for sportsmanship, leadership and team spirit in mathematics. In 10th grade, Emily was the MacArthur HOBY leadership seminar representative, a silver medalist in the Al Kalfus Math Fair, won 1st place at the Nassau Community College Honors Program Science Fair, and achieved High Honors at the Long Island Science Fair. As a junior, Emily received the Young Woman of Achievement Award from the L.I. National Organization of Women, the Kohl's Kids Who Care Award, and was a Discover Card Scholarship semifinalist. As a senior, Emily won the L.I. Fund For Women and Girls' Young Woman Achiever Excellence in Environmental Activism Award, and has just been named a finalist in the prestigious Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Research teacher Jason VanEron declared, "The dedication Emily has shown throughout her studies is second to none. Her success over the past three years has given me the inspiration that teachers thrive on."

Emily is President of the Environmental Club as well as the Envirothon Team. She is a Senior Mathlete, a Key Club member, and a Varsity Cross Country and Winter Track team athlete. In addition to serving her community through school club participation, Emily volunteers at the Broadlawn Manor Adult Daycare Center, and is an historical tour guide at the Old Bethpage Restoration Village. Science Chairperson Paul Ryan comments that, "Emily epitomizes all aspects of a well-rounded student and deserves the accolades she receives. She has excelled in upper level science classes and particularly in Science Research. We are all very proud of her."

When asked to describe her reaction to the Intel honor, Emily was emotional: "It was the most amazing experience of my life. I can't think of anything that has or will ever top this feeling. I am so honored to have the search committee think that what I did was worthy and that it was real research. In the end, all of the hard work paid off." She doesn't hesitate to acknowledge her mentors: "I'm so grateful to have had the support of the Science Department, especially Mr. Friedman and Mr. VanEron. There were times when I wanted to give up, but they were instrumental to my motivation."

Emily plans to study Geophysics and Psychology at university, although she has yet to decide where she will attend. In particular, she would like to explore the psychological effects on victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters.