Students involved in the college's Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) won a Spirit Award for enthusiasm and sportsmanship at the recent regional Science Bowl Competition in Rochester.
Senior Matt Roginski, an Obenzinger Scholar for the Kenney Community Center, coached the two teams of Schenectady High School students four days a week since November to prepare for the competition.
“I'm extremely proud of both teams,” said Roginski. “They have all come such a long way in their understanding of the sciences.”
The first team, led by high school junior Demire Coffin-Williams, made it to the quarterfinals of the competition. Teammates included Ben Acevedo, Brandon Burke, Nathan Kipniss and alternate Andre Butler.
Sophomore Hemavattie Ramtahal captained the second team. Her teammates included Marsé Pulley, Jonpaul Brown, Alphonso Kipniss and alternate Alex Wamukendi.
Charelle Carter '06, a former STEP mentor, served as a chaperone for the trip.
“The Science Bowl offers a great opportunity for high school students to meet other students that are strong in science and math and have similar life expectations,” said Carter.
The trip was funded by the STEP Program at Union College, which is sponsored by the New York State Education Department. The program encourages historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students to enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs leading to professional licensure or careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or health-related fields.
For more information about the STEP Program, contact Kenney Community Center STEP Coordinator Angela Blair at ext. 6609 or blaira@union.edu.