Jericho student named winner in Lowell Milken contest
Jericho Middle School student Anwita Sajja won the Outstanding Middle School Project Award in the 2026 National Discovery Award Competition. She is pictured here with social studies teacher Michelle Vevante. Credit: Jericho School District
A Jericho student’s documentary about a doctor who researched the dangers of lead exposure in children has earned a national prize.
Anwita Sajja, a student at Jericho Middle School, won the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project Award in the 2026 National Discovery Award Competition coordinated by the Kansas-based Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. The competition challenged students to share the stories of “unsung heroes whose actions made a lasting, positive impact in history,” according to the nonprofit.
Anwita’s video documentary explored the late physician Herbert Needleman’s research into the neurodevelopmental dangers of lead exposure to children and his efforts to “help advance protections for their health,” the nonprofit said.
“Many believed that low levels of lead were harmless, but after studying the toxicity of lead Dr. Herbert Needleman challenged that idea and proved that even small amounts of lead could damage children’s brains, behavior and future,” Anwita said in her video. “His research changed public health policies, yet his name remains largely unsung today.”
Jericho's middle and high schools, which submitted 22 projects to the competition, won the $1,000 Outstanding School Award for their “commitment to meaningful research and creative storytelling,” according to the nonprofit.
In addition, Jericho social studies teacher Justina Zendrian received the $500 Discovery Award Outstanding Teacher Award for “guiding student research and helping students share their discoveries beyond the classroom,” the nonprofit said.
Five other Jericho projects each won $500 Certificates of Excellence Awards.
HUNTINGTON STATION
“Be Pool Smart”
Memorial Sixth Grade Center student Jessa Bruno was the winner of Suffolk County’s “Be Pool Smart” Pool Safety Poster Contest, which encouraged children to create original artwork “about the importance of safe practices around water,” according to the Suffolk County Legislature.
Jessa’s piece depicted a pool with talking ducks imparting safety tips such as “Never swim alone” and “Don’t run next to the pool.” Her artwork was used to promote pool safety this summer by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
“We are proud of the example Jessa has set and grateful that she shared her talents with our community,” Suffolk County Legis. Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station) said in a statement.
RIDGE
New principal
Brian Walker has been named principal of Ridge Elementary School in the Longwood Central School District. He replaced Christopher Foster, now principal of Longwood High School.
Walker served the past four years as principal of Port Jefferson Middle School, and before that served as assistant principal of Selden Middle School, Port Jefferson Middle School and Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson.
“From the moment I learned about the Ridge Elementary community, I knew it was a special place,” Walker said in a statement. “I look forward to meeting each student and family, celebrating successes together, and creating an environment where every child feels safe, supported and excited to come to school each day.”
WEST HEMPSTEAD
New principal
Patricia Scollo has been named principal of Cornwell Avenue School in the West Hempstead Union Free School District.
Scollo, who replaced Deanna Sinito, served as the district’s assistant director of pupil personnel services since 2022. Before that, she was a special education teacher at a middle school in Queens.
“West Hempstead has become such an important part of both my personal and professional journey,” Scollo said in a statement. “This district has given me the opportunity to grow through different roles, learn from incredible people, and now have the privilege of leading a school in a community I already know and care so deeply about.”
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
