It was announced by the Siemens Foundation that Freeport High School seniors Justin Millan and Emerick Martin have been named Semifinalists in the prestigious Siemens Math, Science, and Technology national competition. The Siemens Competition, an annual event administered by the College Board, is considered to be the country's leading original research competition in math, science, and technology for high school students.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, on behalf of the Board of Education, administration and staff, stated, "I am absolutely thrilled to learn that Justin Millan and Emerick Martin have received this distinguished recognition. Their outstanding academic achievement in the field of advanced science research is a source of pride to our school district and our community. Congratulations are also extended to District Coordinator for Science Dr. Vincent Pereira and the Freeport High School Administration and Science Department."
As part of their science research project, entitled "Identification, Calculation of Three Dimensional Orbit, and Flux of asteroid 2007 TD14," both Justin and Emerick took part in the International Astronomical Search Campaign to discover or confirm the presence of asteroids. Through their research, they successfully confirmed the identity of asteroid 2007 TD14. "By working on this project, Emerick is now certain that he wants to major in astrophysics and Justin in aeronautical engineering. A goal of high school science education is to increase student interest in science and in scientific careers. As a result of the research program at Freeport High School, this goal is being met," stated Dr. Pereira.
This year, more than 2,400 students nationwide submitted a record-breaking 1,541 projects for consideration in the 2011-2012 Siemens Competition.
