Thirty-four high school students from public, private and parochial schools in Fairfield and New Haven Counties were honored by Fairfield University for excelling in math and science studies. 'The 18th annual Excellence in Mathematics and Science Awards' were presented by Fairfield University's School of Engineering and Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, and held on the Fairfield campus Tuesday, June 3, 2014.

In recognizing these standout juniors - some tomorrow's engineers, scientists and inventors - the University hopes to in turn inspire them to study and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The event comes at a time when fewer young Americans are showing interest in these key disciplines.

"We invite you to get input from faculty in the sciences, math, and engineering who are sitting alongside of you today," Bruce Berdanier, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering, told students, their proud parents, and faculty from the School as well as the College of Arts & Sciences. "These professors can tell you about great, possible careers and fascinating areas to research."

Susan Hitchcock, of Sikorsky Aircraft and a Fairfield University graduate, urged the young scholars to pursue their passions. "I encourage you to have a job one day where you look forward to going to work," she said. "You can and should live your dreams."

The 'Excellence in Mathematics and Science Awards' event is a long-term tradition at Fairfield and was established to encourage the continued study of math and science as a necessary foundation for further STEM study. For more information about Fairfield University, visit http://www.fairfield.edu .

The following photos feature award recipients.

Photo 1: Milford, New Haven, Woodbridge Mairead Brennan, Cooperative Arts & Humanities H.S., New Haven Sricharan Kadimi, Amity Regional H.S., Woodbridge Daniel Pollak, Hopkins School, New Haven George Rusu, Joseph A. Foran H.S., Milford Yasmine Amaris Scipio, Common Ground H.S., New Haven
Photo 2: Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford, Trumbull Jaclyn Brewster, Lauralton Hall, Milford Thomas Hong, Bunnell H.S., Stratford Cameron Hummerstone, Fairfield Ludlowe H.S., Fairfield Rami Kharbouch, Bassick H.S., Bridgeport Brittany Kuznitz, Trumbull H.S., Trumbull Shane McVeigh, Fairfield Warde H.S., Fairfield Anjali Pillai, Kolbe-Cathedral H.S., Bridgeport Charlene Pires, Central Magnet H.S., Bridgeport Emily Robertson, St. Joseph H.S., Trumbull Franceine Welcome, Warren Harding H.S., Bridgeport
Photo 3: Ansonia, Monroe, Seymour, Shelton Justin Auger, Ansonia H.S., Ansonia Asha Muralidharan, Masuk H.S., Monroe Scott Shnipes, Shelton H.S., Shelton Urman Singh, Seymour H.S., Seymour
Photo 4: Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield Nathan Sobel, Joel Barlow H.S., Redding Hannah Grant, Newtown H.S., Newtown Jacob Feldman, Ridgefield H.S., Ridgefield Amanda Bras, Henry Abbott Technical H.S., Danbury Sloan Austermann, Bethel H.S., Bethel
Photo 5: Darien, Fairfield Nicolai Ostberg, Darien H.S., Darien Charles L. Paul, Fairfield Prep, Fairfield Rebecca Stefanatos, Notre Dame H.S., Fairfield
Photo 6: Greenwich, Stamford, Danbury Hansini Bhasker, Greenwich H.S., Greenwich Doris Boursiquot, Stamford H.S., Stamford Robert Mancini, Immaculate H.S., Danbury Ryan Wolfe, Trinity Catholic H.S., Stamford

Posted On: 06-09-2014 03:06 PM

Volume: 46 Number: 230