February 13th, 2020 – Yu “Kevin” Zhu, a senior at Central Islip High School, was honored at the February Islip Town Board meeting, for becoming the first student in the district's history to enter the Regeneron Science Talent Search Competition and earn a spot in the semi-finals.

The Regeneron Talent Search Competition is an international competition that awards students for their exceptional innovative thinking and research skills, and their commitment to academics.

"Kevin was one of nearly 2,000 students around the world who entered the competition, and one of 300 students to make it to the semi-finals," said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. "Kevin has a bright future, and we congratulate him for making history in the district," she added

Kevin’s project, "The effects of simulated microgravity on the biofilm production and susceptibility of Acinetobacter Tat mutants," earned him and the Central Islip High School $2,000 in grant money.

Kevin has been awarded early admission to Yale University. Joining the ceremony were Dr. Howard Koenig, Superintendent, Central Islip Schools; Sharon Dungee, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum; Roann Roderick, Science Teacher, Central Islip.