“It feels kind of validating. It’s really nice that someone sees my efforts and what I’ve been doing through high school and appreciates it,” Welbeck said in response to receiving the award.
The multi-tiered award structure includes Winner, Honorable Mention, and Rising Star designations. Seniors Bryanna Boroze and Brooke Lincoln and Junior Jannah Sallam earned Connecticut Honorable Mentions. Junior Sam Ramasubramaniam was named a Connecticut Rising Star.
Brooke was recognized by NCWIT for the third time this year. She said her interests have changed over her high school years as she’s filled out her award applications, but she’s always known her future is in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field. She now plans to pursue a career in medical research.
“It’s very encouraging because it shows that even if I’m not 100% sure where I’m going to go, there are people that see potential in me. It’s really encouraging to have that support and know that, whether it’s from people at school or outside, they see that I can make a difference,” said Brooke.
Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, persistence, and future plans.
Sam, who plans to pursue mechanical or aerospace engineering, said, “I’m interested in STEM because it’s a way to solve global problems and issues. Also, it’s a field where women are not the majority, so I just want to make an impact.”
All five students are active members of CIBA’s Biomedical Olympiad Club.
“We do a lot of different activities that help with the careers we want to do. All of them include STEM or STEM-related events that help us prepare for college and beyond that,” said Bryanna, who’s interested in quantum science.
Their club advisor Dr. Shilpa Choudhary encouraged them to apply for the awards, with support from Principal Michelle Marion.
“We are very proud of them and how they are role models for other students, not just within the school, but for all students across the country passionate for STEM,” said Dr. Choudhary.
Jannah, who’s interested in medical fields, said, “This year [Dr. Choudhary] pushed me and I wasn’t expecting anything, I just was trying to fill it out, but then I was surprised. It was really cool. I felt like I was just doing a bunch of stuff to go on my resume, but it showed that what I’m doing actually does matter.”
All Connecticut winners will be honored at the Aspirations in Computing Award Celebration later this month.
Photo Caption: (From left) Sam Ramasubramaniam, Bryanna Boroze, Brooke Lincoln, Miriam Welbeck, Jannah Sallam