Native Chinese speakers who learn English not only learn a new language but also a new way of thinking. Though speaking Chinese and English uses the right and left sides of the brain respectively, thanks to senior Olivia Hu’s research, we now know that Chinese-English bilingual individuals begin to process the languages on opposite sides.
The Spectator congratulates seniors and 2008 Intel finalists Katherine Banks, Linda Yin, Olivia Hu and Tim Chang, and semifinalists Alice Fok, Andre Lazar, Annie Zhang, Artur Dmowski, Elizabeth Min, Paula Bu and Theodore Westling. The four finalists did research in mathematics, behavioral and social science and environmental science. Their determination and hard work in the science of their passion are admirable. The other 48 Stuyvesant Intel applicants should also be commended for completing an Intel project, which requires intense focus and willpower. We should not forget biology teacher and Intel coordinator Dr. Jonathan Gastel—who stepped in at the last moment for former Intel class teacher Anne Manwell—and exceeded expectations.
With four finalists, Stuyvesant has more finalists than any of the other 503 high schools that competed. The Intel competition has awarded scholarships to talented students since 1942.
Stuyvesant used to be known for producing the most Intel finalists in the nation, but in recent years has not performed as well. This year’s success will hopefully encourage more students to pursue Intel projects in the future. To increase the number of Intel applicants, teachers should inform their freshmen and sophomore students about this opportunity so those interested can get an early start.
The large number of Intel finalists and semifinalists this year shows that Stuyvesant students don’t just perform well on tests, but can also complete projects on a professional level. The intense research and wide variety of experiments that these students conducted reinforce the importance of innovative thinking. Stuyvesant should continue to encourage students to pursue Intel and other such competitions.