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Our motto is KIDS FIRST... Every Student, Every Day!   Walnut Valley USD is proud to be a National Schools to Watch District with numerous National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished School awards. 

Walnut High senior earns national science title

January 11, 2021

By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources

WALNUT, CA--Walnut High School senior Sabrina Li has been named among top 300 scholars in the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Thirty-eight California students earned a spot in the competition that tackles topics including medicine, the environment, and technology.

Li’s research topic was the Effects of Baycrete Texture and Tidal Elevation on the Recruitment of Ostrea Lurida and Amphibalanus Amphitrite in San Diego Bay.

Each winner will receive a $2,000 award and their schools will also receive $2,000 to use for STEM-related activities.

Science teacher Garrett Lim submitted Li’s exceptional work for the honor.

“I am most proud that Mr. Lim gets some money for classroom supplies because of his dedication to all his students, even outside of the classroom,” the 17-year-old commented.

“It has meant so much to me!”

Her STEM research took part through the Southern California Academy of Sciences.

“I would also like to thank CSUF professor Dr. Danielle Zacherl and mentor Bryce Perog for supporting me for almost three years in their laboratory, providing the opportunity to do research, and learn from their experiences,” she added.

More than 1,700 high school seniors entered Regeneron’s research competition and were judged on research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientist.

The winners are from 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 10 foreign countries.

The goal of the Science Talent Search, held since 1942, is to identify, inspire, and engage the nation’s most promising your scientists to solve society’s most urgent challenges.

Previous competitors have gone on to win Nobel Prizes and other distinguished honors.

A group of top 40 finalists to be announced on January 21 will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards, including the top prize of $250,000, provided by Regeneron. 

Shown:

Walnut High senior Sabrina Li has been named a top 300 scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search

Walnut High senior Sabrina Li (shown wearing WHS sweatshirt) has been named a top 300 scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search

Sabrina Li conducted her project in the San Diego Bay