Student Winners - SuffolkJournal.com

Students Skills Shine at
International Competition
by Kevin Stiles

June, 2001

Matthew Franco, a senior and Ayah Wieder, a junior earned finalist trophies at the 24th Annual International High School Bridge Building contest at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Matthew finished fifth place and Ayah finished 37th overall.

The students, from the Patchogue-Medford district, won the regional Brookhaven National Labs Bridge contest, qualifying for the International competition.

Each student had to construct a model bridge. Matthew's bridge weighted only 17.56 grams, yet held a weight of 45 of 45 kilograms. Ayah's 17.45 gram bridge held a weight of 21 kilograms.

Physics teacher, and bridge contest advisor Richard Yngstrom said, "This has been the best showing ever from Patchogue-Medford students in my 21 years of teaching in the district. We have had students participate in the past, but this is the best we have ever done. I am so proud of them and their accomplishments."

(click on photos for larger view)

Congratulations to Shirley Wuu, Valedictorian of Deer Park H.S. who is as close to perfect as they come. An active member of the school she is President of the National Honor Society and Tri-M National Music Honor Society, Captain of the Math Team and Academic Team, Treasurer of the Student Council, and Editor of the Yearbook. She is a NY All State violinist and has performed with the LI Youth Orchestra. She will be attending Princeton, majoring in economics.

Salutatorian, Matthew Castagna's is also recognized not only for his academic achievements but for his character. A member of the National Honor Society, Leader's Club, Prom Committee, Health & Wellness Club, he is an outstanding athlete and was Captain of the Varsity Football and Baseball teams. He earned a News 12 Scholar-Athlete Award and will attend Johns Hopkins studying pre-med and continuing his football career.