Spring Valley Senior Named Nations Top Scientists in Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022
Spring Valley Discovery seniors, Eileen Chen and Shyam Ganesh Babu, have been named Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 Scholars. The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), a program of Society for Science & the Public, is the nation’s most prestigious pre-college science and math competition. Alumni of STS have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science.
Each year, 300 Regeneron STS scholars and their schools are recognized. Scholars were selected based on the scientific rigor and world-changing potential of their research projects. Each scholar, selected from 1,818 entrants, receives a $2,000 award with an additional $2,000 going to his or her respective school. From that select pool of scholars, 40 student finalists (announced January 20) will be invited to Washington, D.C. in March to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides students with a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and novel discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges. This year, research projects cover topics from tracking countries’ progress on Sustainable Development Goals to the impact of states’ individual COVID-19 responses, and improving the tools used to diagnose Alzheimer’s to analyzing the effects of virtual learning on education.
“Amid an unprecedented and ongoing global health crisis, we are incredibly inspired to see such an extraordinary group of young leaders who are using the power of STEM to solve the world’s most intractable challenges,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. “The ingenuity and creativity that each one of these scholars possesses has shown just how much intellectual curiosity and passion can thrive, even in difficult times.”
“Congratulations to this year’s 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars for their remarkable contributions and discoveries in the STEM field,” said Christina Chan, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & Citizenship at Regeneron. “We are honored to celebrate this new generation of problem solvers who have demonstrated the depth of their innovative thinking, commitment to continuous learning, and ability to tackle global challenges in creative ways.”
On January 20, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. The finalists will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a week-long competition taking place March 10-16.
About the Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Each year, nearly 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring and engaging the nation’s most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.
In 2017, Regeneron became only the third sponsor of the Science Talent Search as a way to help reward and celebrate the best and brightest young minds and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM as a way to positively impact the world. Through its 10-year, $100 million commitment, Regeneron nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually, increasing the top award to $250,000 and doubling the awards for the top 300 scholars and their schools to $2,000 each to inspire more young people to engage in science.
Program alumni include recipients of the world’s most coveted science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Medals of Science, six Breakthrough Prizes, 22 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and two Fields Medals.
Learn more at https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/.
About Society for Science
Society for Science is dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science. Established in 1921, the Society is a nonprofit whose vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning magazine, Science News and Science News for Students, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).
Semester 1 Exam Schedule
Semester exams occur for all classes, including semester blocks (2 period classes that meet for one semester), semester skinny’s (1 period class that meets for one semester), and year-long skinny (1 period that meets all year) classes. We will follow a modified schedule for exams beginning Friday, January 7, 2022.
Students should be on the lookout for review opportunities that will help prepare them for semester exams. This includes help sessions for End of Course (EOC) exams for Algebra 1, Biology 1, English 2, and U.S. History courses.
COVID UPDATE
Richland Two sent out an update for employees and parents with information on the district’s updated isolation and quarantine procedures for schools released by S.C. DHEC on December 31, 2021. We encourage you to thoroughly review this information by looking at the Covid-19 Update Newsletter. One important point to note in this update is related to students having to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact. The below statement from this update outlines that if you are 16 years of age or older, you must have the initial vaccination series and the booster to avoid having to quarantine if considered a close contact. Please review the Covid-19 Update Newsletter for complete details about this and other changes.
- To avoid quarantine when identified as a close contact you must have received the vaccine doses you’re eligible for (completed initial vaccination series and booster for ages 16 and up, or completed initial vaccination series for ages 5-15).
Questions about your child being Covid-19 positive or is a close contact of someone who is Covid-19 positive, please contact our school nurse Elisabeth Walter at ewalter@richland2.org or by calling the Health Room at ext. 69092
Spring Musical Auditions
Auditions for the Spring Musical will be held January 18th/19th in the Auditorium after school. Please pick up an audition sheet and sign up for an audition time outside of Mrs. Curtis’ room- Room A119 You must have a signed audition sheet to Audition. Sheet may be turned in at your Audition or before to Mrs. Curtis. More information is in the SV Players Google Classroom- code gp6insc
Key Club’s Just Socks January!
Throughout January, Spring Valley Key Club will be hosting a sock drive to provide the homeless in our community with a warm pair of socks throughout the cold winter months. Other Spring Valley students, employees, and staff are welcome to join by donating or participating in our Sock Spirit Week, which will be from January 24th-28th (more information to come)! Drop off donations inside the box in the atrium or with Mrs. Reeves in room E303! All forms of participation are greatly appreciated!
Upcoming Daily Schedule Changes
Over the next few weeks we will be following a few different bell schedules. School start and end times will not change but our bell schedules will be different. Please make sure you review this information and are prepared for classes each day. This information will be posted around the school to assist our students in making sure they know the correct schedule.
- Friday, January 7-Wednesday, January 12: Semester 1 Exam Schedule
- Thursday, January 13: Half Day Schedule
- Tuesday, January 18 – Friday, January 21: Advisory Week Schedule- ADVISORY WEEK SCHEDULE
Our regular Green and Gold bell schedules will resume on Monday January 24th.
Run with Rotary
The Blythewood Rotary Club is hosting the first annual half marathon and fun run in Blythewood on Saturday, January 22nd.We would love your students to be part of this race.
Here are the links to register for the race.
https://www.strictlyrunning.com/gpuilreg-8l.asp?uRaceId=3840
strictlyrunning.com – click on the Run with Rotary tile to get more information and register.
Teacher Recruitment Fair
SAT BOOT CAMP
We will once again be partnering with Tutors Across America to provide a discounted SAT Boot Camp over the dates of February 11th – 13th. This camp will help students to prepare for the Spring SAT exams.
Schedule for the 3-Day (20-hour) SAT Weekend Boot Camp
Friday, February 11th 4:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, February 12th 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
Sunday, February 13th 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
The boot camps are averaging 150-200 point improvements, which represents a 20-40 percentile point increase in just one weekend. This is a game-changer for your college admissions, as well as scholarships!
Regular Cost of Camp: $299
Discounted Cost: $149 for Spring Valley students.
Use coupon code GOLIONS at checkout.
The camp includes two practice exams. (actual past exams)
Tutors Across America’s Founder, Ryan Fitzgibbons
Achieved a perfect score on the SAT
Scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT (the highest you can get)
Member of Mensa High IQ Society
Completed Bachelors Degree in just 2 years
One of Kaplan’s highest rated teachers in the nation for student score improvement
His students earned over $25 Million in scholarships last year
How To Enroll in the SAT Boot Camp
1. Go to www.tutorsacrossamerica.com
2. Scroll down through SAT COURSES to find your camp listing.
3. Enroll as directed.
4. Use coupon code GOLIONS at checkout. (you may use your code for any camp that works for you, including ACT and online camps)
100% free scholarships are available. See your counselor for details.
After School Tutoring
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
