Image: Anna Zaroda ’27 earned a perfect score and the Zappa Award for her mathematics project.
From May 17-19, 26 MMI Preparatory school student scientists traveled to Penn State University to represent the School at the 2026 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) State Competition. The event brought together students from across the Commonwealth to present original research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
MMI’s delegation achieved outstanding results, earning 14 first-place awards, 12 second-place awards, and four perseverance awards. Anna Zaroda ’27 earned a perfect score and received the coveted Zappa Award for her mathematics project. This award is given to two high school juniors or seniors who have shown outstanding work in the fields of physics, mathematics, engineering, or computer science and comes with a $150 prize.
Head of School Mrs. Theresa Long noted, “Opportunities like PJAS allow our students to move beyond the classroom and experience what it means to think critically, communicate ideas confidently, and engage in meaningful research. Having our students present their work alongside peers from across Pennsylvania is incredibly rewarding, and we are proud of the way they represented MMI through both their academic achievement and professionalism.”
Mr. Michael Mele, Chair of MMI’s Science Department and PJAS advisor, added, “The level of scientific inquiry and dedication demonstrated by our students this year was exceptional. These projects required months of research, experimentation, problem-solving, and perseverance. To see so many students recognized at the state level speaks not only to their talent, but also to their willingness to challenge themselves and fully embrace the scientific process.”
The following MMI students earned first-place awards: Sahiba Kaur ’30, Megan Yamulla ’30, Siya Patel ’28, Andrew Pedri ’28, Angel Reymunde ’28, Gavin Serock ’28, Marissa Yamulla ’28, Katherine Arias ’27, Christina Chrin ’27, Ruhani Shah ’27, Anna Zaroda ’27, Sharon Zhuang ’27, Alexis Bleiler ’26, and Arushi Solgama ’26.
The following MMI students earned second-place awards: Riley Mason ’30, Lance Lispi ’29, Gabriella Carsia ’28, Anna Drobnock ’28, Jackson Moore ’28, Olivia Moore ’28, Zachary Naugle ’28, Arianny Nieves ’28, Shreeya Parikh ’28, Ian Composto ’27, Yeleiny Paniagua ’26, and Madelyn Young ’26.
Perseverance awards were given to the following MMI students for the achievement of competing at the PJAS state level for a certain number of consecutive years: Ian Composto ’27 (four years), Anna Zaroda ’27 (five years), Yeleiny Paniagua ’26 (four years), and Arushi Solgama ’26 (five years).
On the trip, the MMI PJAS team was led by faculty advisors Mr. Tony Bianco, Mrs. Shannon Falcheck, and Ms. Michele Tyburski. Spencer Lovrinic accompanied the group as a chaperone.For more information about PJAS and the state competition, visit pjas.net/state-competition.
