Synopsys recognizes Leung and students BY JUSTINE CHEN
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s judges approached the table, each student straightened their posture and tucked back their neatly-combed hair, hoping to win over the judges with standing tri-fold panels, laptop presentations, project prototypes and months of dedication to their research. With the 2019 Synopsys Championship officially kicking off in September 2018, the Santa Clara Valley Science & Engineering Fair Association challenged hundreds of middle and high school students to address questions in the fields of computer science, environmental science, chemistry, biology and more with independent project-based research. Affiliated with the Society for Science & the Public, the fair was held at the San Jose Convention Center on March 14, where Lynbrook students sought to qualify for state and national science fairs. In recent years, Lynbrook has performed considerably well, with numerous students awarded the Grand Prize and First or Second place Award in their respective category. This year was no exception, as four won the Grand Prize, seven the First Award and seven the Second Award. In addition, more than 60 companies and private, professional and government organizations awarded students Special Awards based on each organization’s individual criteria. Several students also advanced to compete in
the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair, held in Phoenix, Arizona from May 12 to May 17, while others are also eligible to further compete in the Broadcom Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering as Rising Stars (MASTERS) Competition held in Washington D.C. in October 2019. In addition to the success of students, chemistry teacher Lester Leung was also awarded with the Horace Lucich Award for Outstanding Teachers in recognition of the time and care he gave to students to aid them in achieving success at the competition. “It feels good to be recognized for the work that you do,” Leung said. “But I’m more proud of our teachers for putting in the work and their willingness and commitment to the students.” Leung shares the duties of mentoring students for the science fairs with biology teacher Isaac Pallone, who teaches the Independent Study in STEM class and guides students through the research process over the course of the school year. While Pallone usually mentors underclassmen and entrants to the Synopsys competition, Leung helps students not in the STEM class, often upperclassmen, who want to submit their research to a variety of science fairs including Regeneron STS. As the teacher sponsor of six Lynbrook entrants, Leung worked closely with freshman Shailesh Senthil Kumar, sophomore Eshani Jha, juniors Raghav Ganesh and Chinmay Lalgudi
33 students won
1st
think tank
DHRITI IYER — EPIC
and seniors Jason Dong and Charles Huang, providing specialized guidance in the specific area of each student’s research. Beside helping them with their project applications, he made sure that each student was on track with the process of competing at Synopsys. “[Leung] made sure that my project stayed within the safety guidelines,” said Kumar, whose project studied the effect of quorum sensing molecules on extracellular matrix production in the Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm. “He helped me plan out my project and ensured I finished on time. He wasn’t super strict and was fun to work with.” Despite it being his first year managing the overall science fair organization for Lynbrook, Leung was effective and detail-oriented throughout the process, looking for ways to better support students. Leung introduced the Lynbrook STEM Think Tank, in which science fair mentors listened to students’ ideas, typically those new to fairs, and gave them tips about project planning. By providing students with resources and support with their project, Leung also developed close relationships with each student throughout the process. “You tend to build relationships with the students, and it’s like a community,” Leung said. “So when you see them grow from freshmen to seniors and they’re winning these huge awards, you feel nothing but pride.”
$500
prize money GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY NEWS SECTION
Kiwanis special games: a time to celebrate unity BY ANUSHA KOTHARI
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ore than 1000 special needs students from 60 schools across Santa Clara County were scattered around the West Valley College track at the Kiwanis Special Games, which took place on May 17, 2019. The event was organized by Special Games Club 1234, a branch of the international service club Kiwanis. Students ranging from first to twelfth grade participated in 18 field-day style events tailored to fit their physical limitations and were assisted by coaches, teachers, schoolmates, caregivers and other volunteers. The event gives students with special needs and their families a place where they can enjoy being around others and have a good time. “Every year, the families look forward to this event, because there really isn't anything else like it,” said Nancy Whitman, Public Relations Manager and Board Member of Special Games Club 1234. “The event has its own little community of families that build friendships and give each other support.” At the beginning of every year’s event, students represent their schools in a grand parade, similar to the opening ceremony of
the Olympics. Each school’s participants hold up a banner as they proudly walk around the stadium, and they are personally welcomed by the organizers when walking past them. “Everybody always has an amazing time watching all the schools line up,” Whitman said. “It’s a special parade because it’s so neat to see everyone really appreciating life.” After the parade, students participated in games such as the 100 yard dash, Nerf archery, frisbee throw and various obstacle courses. Students chose an activity to participate in and competed against others with similar abilities. In addition to a participation ribbon and T-shirt, every contestant received at least one of four ribbons: first place, second place, third place or best effort. Twenty Lynbrook Academy Community and Transition (ACT) students attended the Kiwanis Special Games and were accompanied by four volunteers from Lynbrook Viking Buddies club. “Encouraging [the ACT students] to play these games and then seeing the joy on their faces when they accomplish a task is super rewarding,” said junior and Viking Buddies Vice President Shubhra Dubey. It was Lynbrook’s tenth year participating in the Kiwanis Special Games. However, it
was only the second year where preparation took place in the Lynbrook ACT students’ PE Inclusive class. About three months prior to the games, ACT students practiced competition activities, such as an obstacle course, on block days in PE. “A lot of [the ACT students] became more comfortable with the course because not all of them are used to doing the obstacles,” said junior and Viking Buddies intern Julie Lee. “Practicing the course also really allowed them to be comfortable interacting with the volunteers as the volunteers would guide them through the course at the event.” Seeing, competing and bonding with others fostered community among the students and built their confidence. “Knowing that there are opportunities for [the ACT students] to participate and do well in gives them a confidence boost,” said Viking Buddies adviser and ACT teacher Garry DeGuzman. The ACT students look forward to the Kiwanis Special Games every year, as they get a chance to participate in exciting events alongside other athletes who have similar limitations. The games make every student feel special and foster a community of kindness, diversity and acceptance.
VALKYRIES //pg. 14 Anthony Huang joins dance team