Post by Chris_Wendt on Oct 20, 2016 12:01:26 GMT -5
The 2016 Regional Finalists were named for the Siemens Competition.
New York State led the nation with 15 finalists, followed by California, with 12.
Among the NY State Finalists, Long Island has ten (10), eclipsing every other state's results.
Based on comparative 9-12 Public High School Enrollments and Finalists designated:
California....1.954 million..........12 Finalists
Texas.........1.411 million............9 Finalists
New York...... 847 thousand......15 Finalists
Florida.......... 807 thousand....... 3 Finalists
...the relative strength of New York State's results to each of the other large states in this year's competition breaks out as follows:
* New York State's results are 3 times better than either California's or Texas' results.
* New York State's results are 5 time better than Florida's results.
Safe to argue that the bang-for-the-buck in New York far exceeds that in the other states, at least insofar as Science, Math and Technology accomplishments by students are recognized and celebrated in the Siemens Competition.
Those bucks, of course, are contributed by state and local taxpayers, meaning by YOU.
Now, if YOUR district or high school is represented among the Siemens Finalists, you certainly are entitled to beam with pride over that result.
If, as is the case in Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown (or the remaining 607 NY school districts)....your district or high school was NOT even in the competition, then Billy Joel was prophetic when he asked,
"...is that all YOU get for your money?"
In tribute to true excellence in education, especially to those who actually get the chance to truly excel!
I salute each of them!
Chris Wendt