Congratulations to high school senior Marc Sourour, (pictured here with, left to right, Principal Nanine Cuttitta, district science coordinator Mrs. Gail Bennington, and science research teacher Mr. Steven Gordon) on his recent selection as a Siemens Science Competition Semi-Finalist. "We are very proud of our research program here at Garden City High School," commented Ms. Bennington. "This is the third year of our authentic science research program, and our third year of having a student recognized for a significant achievement."

Over 1200 students from across the nation submitted projects to this year's competition. Of these, approximately 300 were selected as semi-finalists by a panel of experts. "In one of the most competitive years ever, and in the very competitive category of Biology, Marc excelled. The high quality science instruction that Marc received in the high school's science program enabled Marc to excel in Winthrop's lab. Marc's success is proof that Garden City values a diverse student body and provides rigorous college preparatory curriculum that prepares students to follow their dreams," remarked science research teacher Dr. Steven Gordon. Marc was born in France, and after eighth grade, he settled in Garden City with his family. Marc dedicated his summer to working at the Vascular Biology Institute at Winthrop University Hospital with laboratory director, Dr. Louis Ragolia, a recent resident and parent in Garden City. Marc's work studying lipid deposition in the arterial walls of rats will help us to better understand the link between artherosclerosis and diabetes.

Marc would also like to acknowledge the guidance of mentor Dr. Jodi Evans, who supervised Marc's research at Winthrop's Vascular Biology Institute. Although Marc is just beginning his college search for next fall, he does hope to continue his lipid deposition research at Winthrop next summer after graduation from Garden City High School.