Last week, likely some 1500+ seniors around the country, who have been working on research projects over long periods of time, submitted applications and papers describing their research to the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Congratulations to all of them!
The STS is the 'Nobel Prize for High Schools,' where ultimately one student will take home a $250,000 top prize. This will occur after 300 national semifinalists are selected, and then 40 national finalists from that group. The goal of this contest is find the most promising scientific talent in the nation - thirteen finalists in the STS have gone on to win the actual Nobel!
One may think they must be working on cancer cures in order to win, but students can work in anything and be eligible. It is quite an accomplishment to write up one's work and defend it, which is all part of the science process. Congratulations to those seniors who took on this challenge!