Five Commack High School science research students were selected to compete as Semifinalists in the Long Island Regional Division of the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. In February, Brianna H., Kiera S., Michael C., Chapin Z. and Rohan S. presented live via Zoom to their judging panels. Of our Semifinalists, Chapin won his division, and competed in the Regional Finalist round, taking first place.

Chapin was selected as the 1st Delegate from the Long Island Region to the 59th Annual National JSHS Symposium. His project, “Dopamine Synaptic Changes in the Inner Ear Support Seasonally Enhanced Acoustic Communication in Vocal Fish” won second place in the national competition in the Biomedical Science Category. He was awarded $8,000 in scholarship money.

The National JSHS brings together 245 high school students from all over the country. The top two delegates from each region - 98 students total - presented their research in a live oral session to compete for military-sponsored undergraduate tuition scholarships.

“Rohan won second place in math in the regionals as well,” said Jeanette Collette, science research teacher at CHS. “Every level of competition is a challenge, going against the top research students on Long Island. These students have worked very hard during these difficult times. I am proud of all their efforts to overcome the many hurdles to get where they are...it has been a learning experience for all of us!”

Jill Johanson, Director of Science, stated, “All five of these students should be very proud to have been invited to the regionals – that alone is a tremendous honor and shows that their hard work has paid off.  The success of these students is also in part due to the tireless efforts of the research teachers and mentors here in Commack – so congratulations are in order for them as well. Kudos to everyone involved!”