Two Wantagh students were rewarded for their advocacy and their creativity, as they were named winners in a countywide science poster contest. Fifth grader Lilyan Rushforth and sixth grader Allison Amador took first place in their respective age groups. 

The competition was hosted by the Nassau County chapter of the Science Teachers Association of New York State in partnership with the New York State Marine Education Association. There were 112 submissions from students in more than a dozen districts. This year’s theme was “Bring Chemistry to Life: Protect Our Marine World.”

Lilyan, who attends Mandalay Elementary School, was the elementary winner. Her digital poster focused on saving turtles, with several tips on how to help. She said she was inspired by a snorkeling excursion, during which she only saw one turtle, even though she expected there to be several more. 

“I am very proud of her and this shows that she really cares about turtles and about science,” said STEAM teacher Alexa Stroh, who gave her fifth graders the option to participate in the contest. “It’s unbelievable that she has the skill set to create something so well-researched and that looks like a professional poster.”

As the winner at the elementary level, Lilyan receives tickets to the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum and Education Center. 

Allison attends Wantagh Middle School and created her poster as an extra-credit assignment in Michelle Zipfel’s science class. Her hand-drawn poster about reducing water pollution earned her first place in the middle school category. It identified the problem and presented solutions on how people can make a positive difference to help save the lives of marine animals. 

“I liked participating in the contest,” Allison said, adding that science is her favorite subject. “I feel like I made a difference for the animals.”

Her prize is four tickets for a tour of the Atlantic Marine Conservations Society facility in Hampton Bays. 

“Allison’s poster stood out because it was informative and creative,” Ms. Zipfel said, adding that four of her students entered the contest. “She put a lot of work into it. Allison is a great student with a passion for the environment.”