SCIENCE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

St. Charles East High School Joins Argonne Research Team

By Maya Thakkar - 12th grade - Public Relations

St. Charles East High School students present at Argonne National Laboratory

For the second year, St. Charles East Science National Honors Society members have had the opportunity to participate in an experiment alongside Argonne National Laboratory scientists. This year’s St. Charles East SNHS team members include:

• Camden Chiet
• Kunal Gaind
• Kyna Patel
• Ameya Yammanuru
• Adri Flint
• Zainab Khan
• Rahil Bukhari
• Taylor Long
• Isabella Kaschke
• Aryan Shah
• Geovanny Flores

In coordination with Argonne, the team was paired with a research advisor (Dr. Gosia Korbas) whom they worked with to design and conduct their experiment. After researching prevalent issues applicable to the nearby community, the team chose to analyze heavy metals in the local soil utilizing composting worms. The team cultured red wigglers (E. fetida) in four different environments across 28 days. The worm tissues were then analyzed utilizing the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Through this analysis the team was able to detect trace amounts of copper lining the digestional tube within the coelom. Surprisingly, through spectral analysis, the team believes they may have detected arsenic near the septal nephridia with higher concentrations found in the woodland samples. The team then presented their findings to high school students and professionals at an Argonne event on May 5th, where they also gained insight on other students’ experiments from various participating schools. This was a great opportunity for Science National Honors Society students as they were able to gain experience, knowledge, and professional connections. Non-graduating members are even looking to officially publish the findings as they continue to work with their advisor related to possible arsenic detection.

A Chapter's First Year, A Student's Next Step
2026 SNHS Scholarship recipient Laura Bevill on watching her school's chapter grow to fifty-plus members while charting her own path in science.

By Laura Bevill

Hello, my name is Laura Bevill, and I am one of the recipients of the 2026 Science National Honors Society (SNHS) Student Scholarship. The scholarship is available annually to seniors in their local SNHS Chapter with a passion for science, academic excellence, and leadership. In addition to Merrimack High School’s SNHS chapter, I was the treasurer of the French Honors Society and the editor of my school’s newspaper “The Hawk.” I also participated in many STEM clubs such as Mu Alpha Theta and FIRST Robotics team Chop Shop 166.

When I had the opportunity to join my school’s chapter, they had just founded the organization in the 2024-2025 school year. Since that point, well over fifty members have filled the seats with great enthusiasm to partake in monthly Science Chats and Science Fairs. The chapter has also been expanding our connections to demonstrations and tutoring with our district’s upper elementary school students. Within meetings, our chapter would have members volunteer to present science topics they found interesting and even do interactive demonstrations. Some of my favorites were the titration experiments, glass resonance discussions, and the breakdown of NASA’s Artemis II physics. Many more concepts were also showcased at our annual science fair, where high school classrooms held over thirty projects for approximately 88 third graders. In explaining complex principles through hands-on activities, such as elephant toothpaste or my wind-vane project, our chapter continues to foster curiosity for science within the community.

I am continuing my passion for science by pursuing a degree in Neuroscience at College of the Holy Cross. There, I am to follow a pre-medical track and participate in the American Medical Student Association (ASMA) and the Health Professions Advising clubs to continue making an impact in the New England community. I would like to make a special thank you to my SNHS chapter advisors, Dr. Campbell and Mr. Davis, your contributions towards teaching science have been instrumental in the success of so many young minds. The effort of our officers, Mary Schmitt, Zosia Yellin, Molly Shepard, Lauren Murby, and Ian Desilets have brought so much passion and progress in our chapter. I wish the best of luck to next year’s many successful chapters and to those applying for the 2026/2027 SNHS Student Scholarship.

Igniting Curiosity: A Groundbreaking First Year for SNHS at Spalding High School

By Jane Burke - SNHS sponsor

SNHS and Science Club members in good standing receive either lab coats, names on lab coats, or lab goggles at the End of Year Celebration at our May meeting!

This year marked an exciting milestone at Science National Honor Society as students and leaders launched the very first chapter at Spalding High School. From hands-on STEM experiences to community outreach and service, our inaugural year was filled with discovery, leadership, and inspiration.

We began the year with a special induction ceremony welcoming 13 outstanding students into the organization. To make the evening memorable, our officers designed personalized flame tests for each new member, allowing students to burn the color representing their preferred STEM field. This unique ceremony symbolized the spark of curiosity and passion that would guide the year ahead.

SNHS leaders also hosted a thriving science club at SHS with 45 active members. The club met monthly and provided students with opportunities to explore STEM through guest speakers, laboratory activities, and educational trips. Students heard from local STEM professionals and researchers from University of Georgia Griffin Campus who shared real-world experiences and career pathways in science and technology.

Throughout the year, students participated in several unforgettable STEM experiences. One highlight was a visit to University of West Georgia for a STEM tour and hands-on laboratory activities. Another favorite trip included the iFLY STEM program, followed by visits to Tellus Science Museum for the “Astronomer’s Toolbox” workshop and the Night Observatory program, where students explored astronomy in an engaging and interactive setting.

Academic leadership was another major focus of the organization. Every SNHS member was expected to present one research lecture on a scientific topic of their choice, while officers challenged themselves by presenting two lectures during the year. These presentations allowed students to strengthen both their scientific knowledge and public speaking skills.

The chapter’s largest accomplishment was organizing Spalding High School’s very first STEM Night for local elementary students. Each SNHS volunteer taught a hands-on module and served as a buddy to a future scientist throughout the evening. Watching younger students explore STEM concepts with excitement and curiosity made the event especially rewarding for members.

Service also played an important role in the chapter’s mission. Members participated in local stream cleanups during both the fall and spring in partnership with the Griffin Water Authority, helping protect and improve the local environment.

To celebrate the year’s success, members in good standing in both science club and SNHS received rewards including lab coats with embroidered names or lab goggles. As the first year comes to a close, the future of SNHS at Spalding High School is already shining brightly.

Community Night for Science

By Maya Thakkar, Public Relations, Senior (grade 12)

The Science Night Banner was created by all three participating elementary schools.

Science Night was held on April 10th at Saint Charles East High School, where three D303 elementary schools attended to learn more about all things science. Davis, Fox Ridge, and Munhall Elementary schools joined forces to create the unique experience hosted by St. Charles East High School in the Sports Complex. Science National Honor Society members ran a variety of stations, each featuring unique experiments for the kids. Experiments showcased a variety of scientific principles, including Newton's laws, optics (reflection and refraction), chemical reactions, magnetism, and more. Sponsors like Fermilab, American Science and Surplus, and Illinois Science and Math Academy (IMSA) also participated in the event. With 500+ total attendees and 50+ STEM-related activities, this event was a major success for the Science National Honors Society, D303, and the St. Charles community.

After several years of separate elementary events, St. Charles East HS hosted the inaugural community wide event in the school sports complex.

2026 Science Day at Clark Magnet High School

By Anna Mkrtchyan-Antonyan, MS, MEd

The Clark Magnet High School Science National Honor Society (SNHS) successfully hosted a community-based Science Day designed to engage young students in hands-on scientific discovery. The event saw an impressive turnout, with an estimated 300 attendees, including approximately 180 children.

Upon arrival, families were greeted by SNHS volunteers who provided an event itinerary and a "Science Passport." To encourage active participation, children earned stamps at each station by observing experiments and answering curriculum-based questions. A fully completed passport earned the student a prize at the conclusion of their visit. 

The event featured 9 interactive stations staffed by 2–4 SNHS members each, categorized into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. 

The experiments were selected and designed by SNHS members to be fun, age-appropriate, and educationally rigorous. Many were adapted from advanced high school coursework to provide a "sneak peek" into higher-level science. 

Physics: 

1. Bell Jar Experiment: Demonstrating the behavior of sound and matter in a vacuum.
2. Roller Coaster Experiment: Exploring kinetic and potential energy through track design. 
3. Circular Motion Experiment: Illustrating the forces required to keep an object in a curved path.

Chemistry: 

1. Color-Changing Cabbage: Using red cabbage juice as a natural pH indicator to test acids and bases. 
2. Paper Chromatography: Visualizing the separation of mixtures and pigments.
3. Dry Ice vs. Ice: Comparing sublimation and melting points through thermal observation. 

Biology: 

1. Egg Osmosis: Modeling how cell membranes regulate the flow of water.
2. Dialysis Tubing: A hands-on look at semi-permeable membranes and diffusion.
3. Cell Membrane: An interactive exploration of cellular structure and function. 

Planning for the event began in early February. SNHS officers and members worked for several weeks to brainstorm demonstrations that were both engaging and teachable. 

• Two Weeks Prior: Members finalized their groups and began sourcing materials. 
• One Week Prior: "Dry runs" were conducted for all experiments to ensure safety and success. 
• Event Day: Setup began at 11:30 AM, with students transporting equipment and posters to the demonstration area to ensure a prompt 1:00 PM start.

The 2026 Science Day was a resounding success. By bridging the gap between high school mentors and elementary learners, we fostered a palpable excitement for STEM within our local community. We look forward to building on this momentum for future SNHS initiatives.

Liberty Christian Prep Hosts First Ever STEM Night

By Courtney Payne, SNHS Chapter Adviser

Liberty Christian Prep's SNHS chapter hosted the school's first ever STEM night in March. This event has been a long time coming. Inagural members of LCP's SNHS chapter initially desired to host a STEM Night in 2024 but could not get approval in their first year. After much planning, meeting with administrators, and project proposals, members were granted approval for the 2025-2026 school year.

Members hosted a mini STEM day for the lower elementary classes one morning in October as a trial run, to generate excitement. Members then spent a few months planning and organizing 22 different STEM stations across all science disciplines for all ages. In the weeks leading up to STEM night, members organized and prepared all the station materials, instruction sheets, signs, and scheduling to ensure a successful evening. It was an all hands-on deck type of evening when over 400 students and their families flooded campus. Members were responsible for hosting a station and teaching the science behind the exploration. Staff supported each member by helping families navigate the stations and supplies.

Students and families were given a passport to explore all the stations at their convenience. Stations were clearly marked on a map, each numbered with brief descriptions. Stations included math escape rooms created by the high school math department, a demonstration of elephant toothpaste, slime lab, anatomage table dissections, rockets, catapults, electricity, robots, and more.

This event created a lot of buzz on the campus amongst our families, shining a light on how amazing and interactive science can be for all ages.

LCP staff and students alike are already looking forward to next years STEM night. LCP is very proud of the accomplishments of our SNHS members and the impact they have made on the entire student body. Well done on a successful first year.

Piscataway High School SNHS: Sparking Curiosity at Family Science Night

By Saanvi Patel

SNHS members, officers, and advisor gathered shortly before the event.

Piscataway High School’s chapter of the Science National Honor Society hosted its third annual Family Science Night, welcoming over 280 elementary students from the Piscataway community.

The event, held on February 20, 2026, featured thirteen engaging rooms with activities covering a wide range of scientific topics. Experiments such as Elephant Toothpaste and Model Volcanoes introduced children in Grades K-3 from Piscataway Township Schools to chemical reactions, enzymatic activity, and environmental phenomena. Meanwhile, the Paper Airplanes and Play-Doh-and-Toothpick Towers activities taught basic physics principles that any future engineer will need. The Medical Exploration room dug into human anatomy, teaching children about the skeletal system, spinal cord, and other body parts. Other activities included slime-making, a Play-Doh marble run, Lego Towers, Dinosaur Forensics, a Game Room, and science cartoons, which met the interests of every attendee. Children won gifts and candy for participating, motivating them to engage with their curiosity actively. Families had the opportunity to visit each of these rooms, providing insight into science’s vast applications in fields ranging from healthcare and forensics to materials science and architecture.

Feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive. In a post-event feedback form, 100% of parents reported that the event sparked a greater interest in science. Many commented that the event was well-organized, informative, and also fun and engaging. Families especially enjoyed taking photos at the astronomy- and ecology-related backdrops, which added a memorable touch to the event.

Behind Family Science Night’s success was the 95 high school volunteers who brought it to life, most of whom were SNHS members. Parents pointed out that their “teamwork and coordination,” “clear directions,” and “patience” elevated the experience for attendees. Each activity had a designated captain, who guided their room members and welcomed guests, ensuring that each room ran smoothly. By breaking down complex concepts to elementary school children, volunteers gained communication skills essential for any future STEM career. Vidushi Jain, 12th-grade SNHS member and captain of Dinosaur Forensics, “enjoyed helping kids discover how fun science can be” and “hopes the kids learn to love the wonders of biology and evolution,” which her room focused on. Her experience reflects the enthusiasm shared by many other volunteers to inspire younger students.

The chapter would also like to extend its gratitude to Piscataway High School’s SNHS Chapter Advisor, Dr. Janet Mrotek, and the Science Department Chair, Ms. Jessica Pritchard, for helping make this event the best it can be. Piscataway’s SNHS looks forward to expanding and enhancing Family Science Night, empowering even more young students to explore science in the coming years.

Members Ruhi Patel (11), Samantha Venturi (11), and Jalina Raro (12) presenting slime to their audience.

Children begin constructing towers using toothpick and PlayDoh following an informational presentation from volunteers.

LNHS Science NHS Hosts Spectacular 7th Annual STEAM Night

By Jayden Miller, Chapter Historian

The Lake Nona High School chapter of the Science National Honor Society successfully hosted its 7th Annual STEAM Night, an exciting and entertaining evening dedicated to celebrating the various facets of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The event, held on November 5th, drew a large crowd of students, families, and community members, firmly cementing its place as one of the highlights of the school year.

A Showcase of Innovation and Exploration

Organized by the Sponsor and officers of the Lake Nona HS Science NHS chapter, along with support from parent volunteers, this year’s STEAM Night was the largest yet, featuring an incredible array of over 50 exhibitors. Attendees were provided with unique, hands-on opportunities to explore the diverse and interesting parts of STEAM, igniting curiosity and showcasing real-world applications. 

Student volunteers and exhibitors alike guided participants through these interactive stations, covering a range of topics from chemistry and physics to computer science and ceramics. Among the exhibitors were Valencia College and UCF, whose students had amazing science demonstrations. There were sensory stations by Neuroscience Alliance, where tactile, olfactory and audio senses were tested. Forensic Science had fingerprinting and microscopes showing the details in hair and fiber samples. UCF’s CREOL (Center for Research in Electro-Optics and Lasers) demonstrated how light refracts differently with certain lenses. First Tech showed off their complex robotics demonstrations. There were fossil displays and an Art display showing how chemistry was used to improve Glazing. The exhibits effectively demonstrated how the individual components of STEAM interact, reinforcing the idea that collaboration between these different areas is key to future innovation.

Community Support and Fun

The success of the 7th Annual STEAM Night is a testament to the hard work and organizational skills of the Lake Nona HS Science NHS chapter. Their commitment to promoting scientific literacy and enthusiasm for all things STEAM ensures that this tradition will continue to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. We look forward to what they have in store for the 8th annual celebration next year!

 

 

By MJ Marggraff, SNHS Board Member 

SNHS Student Scholarship Success

By MJ Marggraff, SNHS Board Member

The 2026 SNHS Student Scholarship application period has officially closed, and we were honored to receive nearly 300 applications this year. This is a powerful testament to both the talent of our members and the competitiveness of the selection process. For students considering applying in future years, we hope this article offers insight and inspiration as you begin preparing your own application.

The SNHS Student Scholarships are awarded based on several things: being a high-performing student, earning good test scores, and showing what you did while in high school. Here’s what some of the most outstanding SNHS scholarship winners did.

Their stories could be your story too — of curiosity, commitment, and impact. That is what wins SNHS scholarships, other scholarships, and college admissions.

What SNHS Scholarship Winners Did — and Why It Matters for You

You don’t earn a scholarship by doing everything.
You earn it by doing a few things well — and letting them change you.

When SNHS scholarship winners look back, they rarely say:

“I joined the most clubs.”

What they do say — sometimes without realizing it — is this:

Outstanding Words That Show Up Again and Again

Commitment. Initiative. Curiosity. Growth. Impact. Leadership. Service. Purpose.

These aren’t buzzwords. They describe patterns of action over time.

What They Actually Did (in Real Life)

They started early — and stayed with things

They didn’t wait until junior year to “get serious.”
They picked a few meaningful activities in 9th or 10th grade and stayed involved long enough to grow, lead, and improve them.

They explored new challenges

They tried things that felt:

• Hard
• New
• Slightly uncomfortable

Research projects. Leadership roles. Science competitions. Tutoring. Starting something that didn’t exist yet.

They weren’t afraid to be beginners.

They took initiative

Instead of asking “What should I join?”, they asked:

• “What needs improving?”
• Who could I help?"
• “What problem do I care about?”

Many:

• Designed service projects
• Mentored younger students
• Led chapter efforts
• Turned curiosity into real action

They changed — and helped others change

Over time, they became:

• More confident
• Better communicators
• Stronger leaders
• More thoughtful problem-solvers

And along the way, they helped:

• Younger students feel included
• Their SNHS chapter grow stronger
• Their community benefit in real ways

Scholarship committees notice growth — not perfection.

Why This Makes a Difference (For You and Others)

For you

• You build a story that actually means something
• You discover what you care about before college
• You’re prepared to write powerful applications — because you’ve lived them

For others

• Your effort improves clubs, schools, and communities
• Your leadership opens doors for students who come after you
• Your service leaves something better than you found it

Think Long-Term: A Simple Way to Plan

Ask yourself this each year:

“What am I building — and who does it help?”

You don’t need a résumé yet.
You need direction.

Choose activities that:

• Interest you now
• Stretch you a little
• Allow you to grow over time

That story — of curiosity, commitment, and impact — is what wins SNHS scholarships, other scholarships, and college admissions.

And more importantly?

It helps you become someone you’re proud to be. Start Early. Grow With Purpose. Make an Impact.

Here’s a Roadmap for Your HS Years
– inspired by SNHS scholarship winners – 

The Roadmap’s Path (in 4 Stages for each year)

Stage 1 — Discover (Freshman Year) What this looks like Join 1–2 activities you’re genuinely curious about Attend SNHS meetings Explore science beyond class Try something new — even if you’re not sure yet Key Words: Curiosity • Exploration • Openness Ask yourself: “What interests me — and why?”

Stage 2 — Commit (Sophomore Year) What this looks like Stay involved instead of hopping activities Take small responsibilities Begin service or tutoring Ask questions, seek mentors Key Words: Commitment • Learning • Consistency Ask yourself: “How can I get better and contribute more?”

Stage 3 — Lead & Create (Junior Year) What this looks like Lead a project, team, or event Design or improve something Mentor younger students Apply science to real problems Key Words: Initiative • Leadership • Impact Ask yourself: “What can I improve or build?”

Stage 4 — Reflect & Share (Senior Year) What this looks like Reflect on growth and challenges Articulate your story clearly Apply for scholarships Use your experience in college applications Key Words: Reflection • Purpose • Story Ask yourself: “How did this change me — and others?”

What Scholarship Application Evaluators Notice

• Growth over time
• Helping others
• Curiosity in action
• ️ Building something lasting
• Purpose

Takeaways

• You don’t need to do everything
• So something meaningful — and grow with it.

Loretto Academy SNHS: A Sweet take on National Chemistry Week

By Chapter Advisor Jessica Salcido, SNHS Chapter Advisor

Chemistry students dressed up as elements for National Chemistry Week (from left to right: Francium, Americium, Einsteinium, Nobelium, Rubidium, Curium and Nickel).

Loretto Academy’s chapter of the Science National Honor Society celebrates its second year with a sweet rendition to National Chemistry Week (NCW), organized each year by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Here at Loretto Academy (The Academy), our students strive to promote the importance of science as a way of thinking and express the positive and intimate impact it has in our daily lives. With this in mind, and inspired by a new tradition at The Academy, our members organized several activities to help promote the importance of chemistry beyond the classroom.

At the start of every day during NCW our students conducted research on famous women in chemistry including Marie Curie, Dorothy Hodgkin and Jennifer Doudna and shared a brief history on their life, accomplishments and contributions to the field via our live streamed morning announcements.

Throughout the week we invited professionals in the field to give presentations to our chemistry students with topics ranging from materials science, Medicine and molecular inorganic chemistry. Then on Thursday October 23, they organized a mole-tastic day of science, sweets and snuggly moles. Our members created a beautiful periodic table of elements using 118 cupcakes and ran mole adoptions. In addition to this, some of our officers conducted chemistry trivia where students, faculty and staff were quizzed on elements, rules of chemistry and the periodic table.

The proceeds from this event seek to support future SNHS events and community science outreach, such as DNA Day, Pi Day, Science Expos and service opportunities within our community. The Academy’s SNHS chapter hopes to continue inspiring young women in our school and our community.

SNHS members setting up the Periodic Table of sweets.