Michael John Comuniello
New York
Michael John Comuniello, 17, of Levittown, examined the inequity of success
among high schools in national science fairs for his Intel Science Talent Search
behavioral & social sciences project. Mike conducted a statistical analysis of
all public high schools in New York State, measuring both internal factors (such
as teacher qualifications and the percentage of graduates who attend four-year
colleges) and external factors (including proximity to a university and the
percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch). Mike compared these
factors to the success of students who competed in national science fairs,
including the Intel STS, and found that while internal factors indicated a
likelihood of success, external factors had a greater correlation. He hopes his
research will lead to equity among schools. First in his class of 299 at
Division Avenue High School, Mike is a student liaison to the Board of
Education, which has altered policy in light of his research. As captain, he led
the Science Olympiad team to award-winning status. He plays violin, captains the
soccer team and was elected Homecoming King. The son of John and Maureen
Comuniello, Mike hopes to attend Stanford or Cornell.
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