Two Watervliet High School juniors have earned prestigious science scholarships:

• Ali Raza Ziai received the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester for his exemplary academic performance in science courses throughout his high school career.
• Maria Barsoum was awarded the Rensselaer Medal, a scholarship opportunity through Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) that recognizes promising high school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.

Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award

Ali qualifies for the Bausch + Lomb Science Scholarship—which provides outstanding high school juniors the opportunity to receive at least $5,000 per year — should he decide to enroll at the University of Rochester.

Only high school juniors may be selected for the Bausch + Lomb scholarship based on the following criteria:

• High achievement and rigor in science classes
• Positive contributions to their school and within the larger community.

The Rensselaer Medal

Maria is eligible for the $30,000 per year scholarship for her outstanding achievement in mathematics and science. Maria will receive the award should she decide to apply to RPI and be accepted. The Rensselaer Medal, first presented in 1916, serves two purposes:

• recognize the superlative academic achievement of high school students, and;
• motivate those students to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

We congratulate both students on their accomplishments!