AcordaAs part of an ongoing effort to promote STEM education in Westchester, County Executive Robert P. Astorino joined with representatives of Acorda Therapeutics and WFAS-AM broadcaster Lisa Wexler to congratulate the winners of the Acorda Scientific Excellence Award (ASEA) with a special ceremony and live broadcast from the county office building on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Astorino also emphasized that the awards will continue throughout the 2013-14 school year, and that students can submit their independent research for consideration via www.acorda.com.

"In this global economy, the jobs not only of tomorrow, but of today, call for a solid grounding in science, technology, engineering and math," Astorino said. "The so-called STEM subjects are a strong focus of high schools throughout Westchester, and many local students are conducting exciting and often groundbreaking original research. This is what makes Westchester New York's Intellectual Capital, and I am proud to partner with Acorda and WFAS on this initiative."

The awards began in October, and the winners to date were recognized during a live broadcast of WFAS 1230 from the Westchester County press room on Thursday. The winners were:

  • Jason Rosenberg, Blind Brook High School
  • Kyle M. O'Neil, Blind Brook High School
  • Justin Cray, Blind Brook High School
  • William Saunders, Blind Brook High School
  • Josephine Yalovitser, Blind Brook High School
  • Alexandra Fall, Mahopac High School
  • Charlotte Herber, Fox Lane High School

Acorda Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Ardsley, launched the program in partnership with WFAS as well as the Westchester County Youth Bureau and Office of Economic Development. The goal is to spotlight some of the impressive scientific research being done by students, thereby supporting the next generation of scientists and encouraging them to consider careers in related fields.

Additional winners will be announced throughout the remainder of the school year. Winners are then given a chance to discuss their research on WFAS with Wexler. The program airs 9 a.m. Sundays on AM 1230.

"Acorda Therapeutics sponsors the ASEA program to recognize the innovative and impressive research that so many of our local high school students are doing in the area of STEM.  We hope that these inspiring students will become part of the next generation of leaders in medical research and in all areas of science, math and technology," said Tierney Saccavino, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at Acorda.

All Westchester County high school students are eligible for the award, including students at public, parochial or private schools as well as students who are home-schooled. Applications are evaluated by a committee comprised of scientists from Acorda Therapeutics, Westchester science educators, Wexler and a representative from Westchester County government. Winning students and their schools will each receive a plaque recognizing and honoring their achievement.

"I've had a chance to get to know some of these outstanding students through their applications and my on-air interviews," Wexler said. "Every single student inspires me. I see their brains, curiosity, determination and integrity shine through. I am convinced that these kids will be major contributors to the foundation of scientific learning. Years from now we will all look back with pride at bestowing upon them an opportunity to talk to us about their work. I am already saving their autographs."     

The Acorda Scientific Excellence Award is a reflection of the company's long-standing commitment to support both science education and the Westchester community. Acorda Therapeutics also supports the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF) and the BioGenius Award, which recognizes students for outstanding original research in biotechnology. 

For information about eligibility requirements or to apply for the Acorda Scientific Excellence Award, go to www.acorda.com/ScientificAward or e-mail .