Two students honored with Siemens awards

Two students honored
with Siemens awards
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

DAVE BENJAMIN Christina Wright (l) and Adam Gashlin receive certificates of recognition from state Sen. Robert Singer.

A pair of Manalapan High School students have been named winners of the Siemens award in recognition of their academic achievements.

Adam Gashlin of Howell and Christina Wright of Marlboro are students in the Freehold Regional High School District’s Science and Engineering Learning Center at Manalapan High School.

Administrators said more than 150,000 students from across the United States try to earn the award, but only 24 students are selected as winners.

Principal Terri Grey noted that Manalapan has had five students honored as winners of the Siemens award.

Grey said the science and engineering learning center is "a four-year program of interdisciplinary studies for gifted and talented students who are interested in pursing careers in mathematics, engineering and the physical sciences."

The principal said both students received a score of five on the advanced placement exam, which ultimately led to the award. That perfect score of five covers six different exams, she said.

"What makes these students stand out is that they have reached the highest of the high," said the principal.

"Adam ranks 65 out of 556 students in the class of 2004 and his GPA is 4.085," said Grey. "He had a combined SAT score of 1,490."

Gashlin is a participant in the New Jersey Science League and has ranked fourth in the state. He is a member of the National Science League Olympiad where he received a perfect score last year and he is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and a member of the physics team.

Gashlin has applied to Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Owen College of Engineering and Rutgers University. He plans to major in computer science engineering.

Wright ranks 10th out of 556 students in the Class of 2004, has a grade point average of 4.676 and a combined SAT score of 1,480. She is a National Merit Scholar commended student and has attended the Governor’s School in science.

Wright is a member of the New Jersey Science League, the National Science Olympiad, a participant in Work-State Science Day, a member of the Physics Bowl, nominated Woman Engineer of 2003 by the Society of Women Engineers and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Wright has applied to Princeton University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology. She plans to major in physics.

Walter Pruikema, director of human resources for corporate research with Siemens, said, "These are two students who embody the essence of the Siemens Foundation goal to enhance math, science and technology in this country. There are two basic programs: the Siemens-Westinghouse Competition in math, science and technology; and the Siemens Award for advanced placement for excellence in science, math and technology."

Pruikema praised Grey and the staff at Manalapan for producing five winning students over the course of the past three years.

"By supporting the students that excel in the advanced placement program, we know we can look forward to recruiting the best, the brightest and the best skilled workers for many years to come," he said.

Also attending the ceremony was state Sen. Robert Singer (R-Monmouth/Ocean), who sits on the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology.

"It’s always wonderful to see the private sector encouraging the public sector students to do the best they can by awarding scholarships to our brightest and best," Singer said. "These two youngsters have outstanding academic credentials. They’ve won these wonderful scholarships to further their education."

Singer gave special kudos to Siemens for presenting the scholarships.

"It ($3,000) is nothing to make light of," said Singer. "It’s quite prestigious to get this and I’m glad that I’m a part of this. It’s important that our youngsters are involved in that, and hopefully they will stay in-state and go to colleges in-state. We need the leaders, young people who excel, in New Jersey."

Singer presented Gashlin and Wright with joint Senate and Assembly resolutions recognizing them for their accomplishments.

The students’ proud parents were also on hand.

"I’m very pleased. This is a very good program and we thank all the excellent teachers, the directors and the school," said Liwei Wright.

Greg Wright said, "I’m very proud of my daughter. She’s done a huge amount of work in the program and this is one aspect that shows it pays off."

Kevin Gashlin said of his son, "He’s a great kid. He deserves this and I’m very proud of him. He’s got great opportunities in this area and I’m glad he has been recognized for his accomplishments."

"I’m very proud of him," said Gail Gutmann, Adam’s mom. "He’s a good kid and he’s worked hard to get to this point."

Also attending the ceremony were Superintendent of Schools James Wasser; FRHSD Board of Education member Bonnie Rosenwald; Patricia Emmerman, assistant superintendent for student services; Jay Robinson, administrative supervisor; and Manalapan Deputy Mayor Rebecca Aaronson.

"This is quite an honor," Wasser said. "Only four students were chosen out of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C. We have two of the four."

Former Manalapan students who re­ceived the Siemens award are Yuk Yan Lam, Matthew Meola and Julie Wu.