Having researched cystic fibrosis and studied how the malfunction of a single protein leads to the disease’s identified symptoms, Rye Neck High School students created their own physical models to show how treatment can alleviate symptoms.

The hands-on learning experience served as a culminating project in science teacher Matt DeBellis’ Physiology class. Throughout the biochemistry unit, his students studied different elements, ions, proteins and other macromolecules involved in physiological functions.

“The purpose of the project was to apply the principles of biochemistry through the modeling of a detailed mechanism of disease, illuminating the interdisciplinary connections rooted in physiology,” DeBellis said. “A classic case study that involves the crossing of these subjects is cystic fibrosis.”

The students began by researching the disease and studying how the malfunction of a single protein leads to the identified symptoms. Next, they wrote a mechanism or a detailed, objective description of how the parts of a system interact to explain a phenomenon. Afterwards, they created a physical model showing their disease mechanisms.

“Their models had to show step-by-step how a single mutation in the base code of DNA could manifest as disease,” DeBellis said. “This involves complex interactions of cellular biology, centralized around the CFTR protein and the relationship to chloride ions and resulting water balances. Students also had to show how a treatment or drug interacted with their model to alleviate symptoms of cystic fibrosis.”

Lastly, the students recorded a video that showed and described how the individual parts interacted within the system before presenting their completed models.

“I hope this activity reinforces the idea that all disciplines of science are interconnected and that a deeper understanding of each subject leads to a more complete, fundamental application to clinical scenarios,” DeBellis said. “We are physical beings who live in a physical universe, so we practice building models to study the microscopic interactions that are so important to life and medicine.”

After more than a six-month hiatus, Rye Neck’s student-athletes have returned to the field, track and tennis courts for the long-awaited fall sports season. Sept. 29 marked the first day of practice for the boys and girls soccer, field hockey and boys and girls cross-country teams, while the girls tennis team began practice on Sept. 30 due to a rain delay.

“It was a wonderful sight – seeing the students out there, being distracted by everything going on and working on their craft,” Athletic Director Joe Ceglia said. “It was invigorating and exciting.”

Ceglia said the district has implemented a number of restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic – such as social distancing, mandatory masks, disinfection of equipment and limited number of spectators – to keep its 165 students and 20 staff members safe.

Students are screened daily upon entrance to the school building or athletic fields and required to maintain social distancing and wear masks at all times. Bathroom and locker room occupancy has been limited to one and four students at a time, respectively. Additionally, students are required to bring their own water bottles and personal equipment, while any shared equipment is sanitized frequently. During contests, only home school spectators – two individuals per athlete – will be permitted to access the athletic fields. At the end of the day, facilities are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Ceglia said he is grateful to his team, including assistant athletic director Julie Ianello, athletic trainer Joe Dranoff and all the coaches and support staff, for working tirelessly to help their athletes return to play.

“The greatest challenge was getting everything in place, up and running,” Ceglia said. “We spent a lot of time and effort, but I have an amazing team and I know we’re more prepared than anyone else.”

The students have about a week of practice before the games begin on Oct. 10 with home games for the field hockey and girls soccer teams.

Meanwhile, all regional and state tournaments have been canceled by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Rye Neck’s four sports that began practice were considered low or moderate risk and were given the green light to commence, while high-risk sports, such as football, girls volleyball and girls swimming and diving, were postponed until March 2021.

Rye Neck High School seniors Caleb Alter and Gabe Miller have been named semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship program. They are among the top 16,000 high school students nationwide who were awarded the distinction by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Alter and Miller entered the academic competition as juniors along with more than 1.5 million students by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than 1% of seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

To become a finalist, the students must submit a detailed scholarship application, demonstrate an outstanding academic record and leadership abilities, write an essay and be endorsed by a high school official. About 90% of the semifinalists will advance to the next round, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship.

According to its website, the National Merit Scholarship program honors students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The program will award approximately 7,600 scholarships worth more than $30 million next spring. National Merit Scholarship finalists will be announced in February, while scholarship winners will be announced in the spring.

Rye Neck Union Free School District welcomed its students back to school on Sept. 8 for the first day of the 2020-21 school year. Behind their masks, teachers warmly greeted each student who walked into their classrooms while the students adjusted to their new routines, which included wearing masks and getting their temperatures taken prior to entering the buildings.

As the students made their way down the hallways – marked with arrows directing traffic – they followed one-way lanes to their classrooms. While there were fewer students in the buildings and desks were spaced farther apart than usual to allow for proper social distancing, the opening days were filled with excitement. The students got to know their teachers, reconnect with classmates and engage in new learning opportunities.

“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our administrators and teachers, the opening of school got off to a safe and positive start,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro said. “It was so nice to see children back in the buildings. Students were happy to be back in school and to be with their friends once again.”

Over the last few months, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Board of Education members, administrators and educators have been working diligently to prepare for the new school year and provide students with a safe environment and high-quality remote learning experiences. The district reopened with a hybrid model that split students into two cohorts, each attending school in person on alternating days.

Rye Neck High School celebrated the Class of 2020 with a special drive-in ceremony at Rye Playland on June 18. The socially distanced event featured remarks by valedictorian Grace West and salutatorian Heonjae Lee, as well as video presentations that looked back at some of the students’ most memorable experiences throughout their educational journey.

Principal Tina Wilson welcomed the guests and praised the students for their ability to persevere, and remain engaged and motivated despite being challenged – individually, as a family unit, as a school community and as a society – by the pandemic.

“While we might be separated by the metal and glass your cars are made of, I am beyond elated to be physically in the same location as all of you,” Wilson said. “Even with digital communication tools that have enabled us to remain connected, I am certain we all realized just how much we missed and craved face-to-face human interaction.”

As they move into the next phase of their lives, Wilson encouraged the students to embrace the positive rather than the negative aspects of any situation. She assured them they possess the necessary skills to successfully pivot in the face of future challenges.

In her remarks, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro reflected on the students’ creativity, generosity, strength of character and ability to confront each challenge with courage and flexibility.

“Your leadership has been evident during this pandemic,” she said. “Your outreach to help those in need, your support of our district’s younger students and your concern for one another have reinforced the uniqueness of your class, illustrating the power and strength of teamwork and collaboration.”

The graduates also heard from County Executive George Latimer and guest keynote speaker Ryan Pennell, a RNHS Class of 2010 graduate. During her valedictory address, West spoke about the power of gratitude and recognized the people in her life – parents, teachers, coaches, friends – who have inspired her and guided her throughout the years.

“Gratitude is an expression that allows you to recognize things that are good,” she said. “It’s a spotlight that shines on the people that inspire you. As we all go forth to the next chapter in our lives, take a second, a minute, an hour to think about the people that have made you who you are.”

In his salutatory address, Lee reflected on the value of community and their common experiences that have motivated them to pursue their goals. He also recognized his fellow classmates’ outstanding achievements – from taking Advanced Placement courses to delving into their interests, learning the value of teamwork through athletic competitions and games.

“We are a small class – Rye Neck’s smallest in several years – but our achievements are certainly not,” he said. “It has been my greatest honor and privilege to learn, explore and grow alongside my fellow graduates for the past 12 years at Rye Neck. My heart is so full.”

One by one, and after years of hard work and dedication, the students stepped out of their vehicles to take hold of their diplomas and take their first steps as Rye Neck High School alumni.