This year, mentored by science teacher Andrea Durbin, a small group of West Babylon Senior High School students met afterschool to conduct hands-on, cutting-edge research. These nine students – Joel Colas, Julian Cruz, Erin Fider, Melanie Jastrzebski, Maria Moreno Lopez, Dheera Misra, Nandini Ramesh, Nicole Rex and Saad Syed – became part of the Student Participants for Advanced Research and Knowledge program at Brookhaven National Laboratory. 
Students immersed themselves in structural biology, exploring the three-dimensional structure of a protein found in the bacteria Burkholderia cenocepacia. Proteins are macromolecules that help build various parts of an organism. Though we know how proteins work, their appearance is not completely understood. Deciphering their structure can aid scientists in understanding their function and how they affect our well-being.

In conjunction with Eastport-South Manor High School, Islip High School and Longwood High School, West Babylon students began the two-year endeavor to discover this protein's shape by utilizing Brookhaven National Laboratory's National Synchrotron Light Source II. Using incredibly powerful X-rays, students took “pictures” of their protein using protein crystallography. Interpreting these images can take months, though once completed, the known 3D shape would then be published on an international database for scientists across the world to use.

On May 21, more than 200 students from 19 different school districts gathered at Brookhaven National Laboratory to present their research at a poster presentation. These students represented those involved in the SPARK program, a “Day in the Life” as well as many other programs affiliated with Brookhaven National Laboratory. Students presented their research to their peers and guests during the symposium.

Date Added: 6/9/2025

In March, West Babylon High School senior Mansimaar Birk competed in Rochester, New York, at the DECA State Competition. Birk placed sixth in her area of Principles of Business Management and Administration and qualified for the International Career Development Conference Competition in Orlando, Florida, in April. ICDC is the culmination of the DECA year. There were more than 26,000 high school students and teacher-advisors gathered from 49 states and eight countries. Birk competed in an exam in her field and a role-play interview by a business professional acting as a judge. Congratulations to Birk for representing West Babylon on the DECA stage.

Date Added: 5/21/2025

West Babylon Senior High School ninth grader and soon-to-be Eagle Scout Joseph Romano recently completed his Eagle Scout project by beautifying his school grounds, leaving a lasting impact on the school community. The project was the result of a meaningful collaboration between Romano and Principal Dr. Carlos Falcón, inspired by the shared vision of continuing to beautify the school grounds. His hard work, leadership and dedication to service are a true reflection of the school’s motto, “Be All You Can Be.” For his project, Romano created a garden surrounding the school’s welcome sign and placed a large statement rock in the front. 

Date Added: 5/19/2025

West Babylon Senior High School has announced the top two students in the Class of 2025. William Horowitz has been named the valedictorian and Magdalena Obrycki is the salutatorian. 

An AP Scholar with Distinction, William is a member of the Science Olympiad team, Math Club, Environmental Club, LEO Club, National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, Elementary Science Olympiad and SADD. Outside of school, he is a piano student and performer at Momentum School of Music. He is also a junior volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital. William participated in the summer Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory program as well as the Columbia University Summer Immersion Program. He will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall to study biology.

During her time at the high school, Magdalena has been a member of the Science Olympiad team, Mock Trial, Student Council, Student Association and National Art Honor Society. She was the recipient of the Long Island Al Kalfus Math Fair Honorable Mention award and the American Chemical Society Award in Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in High School Chemistry. As part of her community service efforts, Magdalena has volunteered her time in the West Babylon Public Library, the Elementary Science Olympiad, Babylon Community Church, the Book Fairies, Safe Halloween, West Babylon Senior Awards Night and West Babylon Student Government. She will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study mathematics in the fall.