Glen Cove, NY – Congressman Tom Suozzi (D–Long Island, Queens) recognized and honored high school students from New York’s Third Congressional District for outstanding achievements in life science, computer science, and mathematics through the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Congressional App Challenge, and the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
The ceremony was hosted by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where Suozzi was introduced by Dr. Bruce Stillman, President and CEO.
“Amid so much negative news, it’s important to highlight positive stories,” said Suozzi. “This year, 300 high school seniors nationwide advanced in the first round of the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Remarkably, 33 are from Long Island—and 28 are from New York’s Third Congressional District. While our district represents just 0.02% of the U.S. population, it accounts for nearly 10% of the nation’s Regeneron Scholars—the highest total of any congressional district in America. These students represent the future of our community and our country, and I’m proud to honor their achievements.”
One student, Ashka Shah of Jericho High School, was named a finalist and is among 40 students nationwide competing in March for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals of Tarrytown, New York.
The students honored by Congressman Suozzi represent eleven high schools in the Third Congressional District: Jericho High School; Herricks High School; William A. Shine Great Neck South High School; John L. Miller Great Neck North High School; Paul D. Schreiber High School; Syosset High School; Friends Academy; Manhasset High School; Roslyn High School; St. Francis Preparatory School; and Hunter College High School.
Suozzi also recognized the winning team of the Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives in which students design original software applications. First place was awarded to Michael Cole (Chaminade High School), Emma Ding (Great Neck South High School), Christine Chen (Hunter College High School), and Caren Ye (Jericho High School). Their winning app, HealthBridge, connects underinsured individuals and families with affordable health care resources. Available in all 50 states and offered in 18 languages, the app exemplifies how technology can be used to improve lives.
Suozzi also honored the 2025 recipient of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, Cynthia Zhang of Great Neck South High School, for her work raising and tagging butterflies to help scientists track their migration routes to winter habitats in Mexico.
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