By Molly Charney

The Intel Science Talent Search (STS) is a prestigious science research competition among high school seniors.  For the seniors who have entered the competition from Briarcliff, Intel STS represents the culmination of three years of hard work and dedication.

Students submit their research papers as well as complete a “horrible,” “rigorous,” and “tedious” application composed of dozens of essays.  Seniors Sarah Ruthen and Mark Moretto related the application to college applications.  Of the applications submitted, 300 research projects will be chosen from all over the country to be Intel STS semifinalists.  Of those 300, 40 young scientists will become finalists.  In March, the 40 finalists travel to Washington D.C. to participate in a week-long program and competition. The top winner of the entire competition is granted $100,000.

Briarcliff High School students have the opportunity to take part in the Briarcliff Manor Science Research Program, commonly referred to as Intel, which is a three-year course (sophomore through senior years).  Seniors have now submitted their Intel STS applications and have had time to reflect on the process. “Intel STS kind of symbolizes the end of this whole process. Intel has taken up a lot of my time, and it has become, BY FAR, my most demanding class intellectually as well as commitment-wise. But in all honesty, I have no regrets,” expressed senior Sam Friedberg. Ruthen, Moretto, and Friedberg, as well as fellow senior Aanand Patel, all expressed relief that their papers were finally submitted.  Ruthen and Friedberg both noted that despite what the judges think of their projects, they are proud of their work and dedication.  Moretto noted that he doesn’t judge his project based on the competitions and that sometimes it is just “the luck of the draw.”  Good luck to all the seniors that entered the competition!