Cover photo: C.I. H.S. Juniors Heisel Fuentes Delgado and Allyson Saravia (Credit – Matt Meduri)
Two Central Islip High School juniors were recognized last week for their water quality research on the school’s property.
The research is part of the Long Island Water Quality Challenge, an opportunity for students to play a role in improving the Island’s overall water quality and reducing nitrogen pollution on school grounds by creating green infrastructure solutions.
The challenge was developed by the Long Island Regional Planning Council in collaboration with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as a part of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP), a multi-year initiative to reduce nitrogen pollution.
Central Islip juniors Heisel Fuentes Delgado and Allyson Saravia, under their advisor Michael Soldano, have proposed implementing bioswales around the edges of the school’s parking lot – where ground elevation is the lowest – to efficiently filter pollutants carried by rainwater and to prevent flooding.
Bioswales are gently sloped, shallow land depressions, usually planted with vegetation. They’re designed to collect and filter stormwater before it reaches storm drains, sumps, or waterways. They’re typically used to help reduce pollution, prevent erosion, and improve water filtration. Bioswales are similar to rain gardens, but they’re designed specifically to capture more runoff coming from impervious surfaces, such as streets and parking lots.
The bioswales proposed by Delgado and Saravia will focus on plants and mosses native to Long Island that will retain water and adapt to various conditions. The plan also calls for monthly nitrate level monitoring to gauge the effectiveness of the bioswales.
“As educators, we’re always trying to provide opportunities for students, and this year was my first year taking over our science research course,” said advisor Soldano. “Sometimes, it felt like we were going nowhere; sometimes, things were going well.”
Soldano added that most of the juniors’ time spent was outside taking pictures of the school grounds and researching their project.
For the first time ever, the Central Islip Union Free School District entered into the challenge this year – clearly a worthy venture, as their entrance produced two winners.
“As Jane Goodall once said, ‘what you do makes a difference.’ Heisel and Allyson, we are so very proud of you,” said Soldano. “I commend both of you for your vision, your dedication, and making history as our first students to receive this honor.”
Central Islip High School Principal Eric Haruthunian (pictured above) recalled receiving the pitch for the project.
“I remember Allyson and Heisel coming to me when they were in the developmental stages of this project asking about nitrogen levels within the waterways and cesspools and how that equates to the Suffolk County and Town of Islip averages,” said Haruthunian, adding that the juniors consulted with the school’s building and grounds director for more information.
“But they really took the proverbial bull by the horns and ran with it, did the research, the lead work, and took pictures. That’s just the type of students Allyson and Heisel are,” said Haruthunian. “We hope you continue to wow us with future research and future submissions,” adding his praise for Soldano.
Town of Islip Councilman Jorge Guadrón (D-Central Islip) (pictured above) called the recognition a “great deal for our community.” He lamented the near-constant negativity in the newscycle, and wishes that these types of positive messages are “amplified.”
“I congratulate both of you, the Central Islip School District, the high school, and the principal for making such a great labor,” said Guadrón, adding that the district’s administration “gets better every year, just like wine.”
A representative for Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) was also on hand to recognize Delgado and Saravia.
“As Long Islanders, water isn’t just a part of who we are as living beings, but it’s a part of our shared heritage. And to see young students like you working so hard to protect this most precious of natural resources, it lets us know that future generations are tackling this challenge with every bit of the dedication that previous generations have and that our future is in good hands with you.”
Delgado and Saravia then took the podium.
“We would like to say thank you to the Long Island Regional Planning Council for the opportunity,” said the juniors, adding their thanks to the administration for being supportive of the STEM program. “We would also like to thank our wonderful science research teacher, Mr. Soldano (pictured above) and Mr. Harthunian for presenting this challenge to us and giving us the opportunity to present our project.”
