Rhode Island Department of Education Announces Delegates for 2023 National Youth Science Camp

Published on Friday, March 24, 2023

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the agency has selected two high school students to represent the state at the 2023 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) in Marlinton, West Virginia this summer. The students, who were chosen based on stellar academic proficiency and STEAM-focused achievements, will participate in the hybrid-model camp in June and July with delegates from across the country and internationally. 

“We are immensely proud of Taina Marigny and Mia Schenenga, two outstanding Rhode Island students who represent the incredible talent the Ocean State has to offer,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I join students, families, and staff from across Rhode Island in congratulating these two students on their honor and in wishing them continued success in their future endeavors. Expanding and leveraging STEAM education is a critical piece of our work to bolster our local economy and create economic opportunity so that Rhode Island can continue to move forward.”

“The two students selected as delegates for the National Youth Science Camp are examples of what it means to be dedicated to a dream,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “I am proud that we have such star students representing our state this summer. STEAM education is essential for success in the 21^st century, and I know Taina and Mia will be nothing but successful.”

“We are thrilled to have these extremely talented students representing Rhode Island on a national stage,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “These young women are destined to be future leaders in STEAM, and we cannot wait to hear of their success in this competitive science program. They are shining examples of what our kids can achieve with the right support and guidance.”

The students, Taina Marigny of Providence and Mia Schenenga of East Greenwich, are both seniors graduating from their high schools this June. They have extensive experience with STEAM subjects in and outside of the classroom and have demonstrated a strong passion for utilizing their knowledge to learn more about the world around them.

Marigny, a student in the top 1% of her class at William M. Davies, Jr. Technical High School, has a strong interest in bioengineering and agriculture and loves a challenge that will help her gain more industry knowledge about her desired field. Currently a pharmacy technician at Green Line Apothecary, Marigny handles pharmaceutical software and robotic machinery and prepares prescriptions. Her experience also extends to civic engagement as a former student representative with the XQ+RI partnership to reimagine high school, an intern at the Urban Perinatal Education Center in Pawtucket, and an intern at Mount Hope Community Garden in Providence. Marigny also has a record of demonstrating effective interpersonal skills, never passing up an opportunity to help her fellow classmates and peers.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to both meet and teach Taina during her time here at Davies Tech,” said science teacher Louis Cirello. “Her qualifications for this program are unmatched. She is a motivated and passionate student of STEAM, and I have no doubt she will go far after graduation. She will be a great addition to this year’s National Youth Science Camp delegation.”

Schenenga, another top student in her graduating class at East Greenwich High School, thoroughly enjoys studying how the mind works for all humans no matter the intellectual level and loves to engage her peers in lively conversations about the subject at hand during science class. Schenenga currently works as both a cello teacher and a math tutor to students ranging from middle school to high school, and has experience in business and economics. A varsity athlete, Schenenga currently plays on her school’s girls’ lacrosse team and is the senior captain of the EGHS unified volleyball team and has played with the Special Olympics Unified Sports organization. These experiences have pushed her to chase the dream of becoming a pediatric neurologist, where she will put her knowledge and skills acquired in not just these experiences, but from her time participating in the Brown Brain Bee and Johns Hopkins University Global Health Leaders’ Conference as well.

“Mia is a brilliant and driven student whose input is highly regarded in and out of the classroom,” said EGHS science teacher Christopher Wren. “I have been fortunate to witness her extensive knowledge about STEAM and motivation for learning during her time here at East Greenwich High School. I look forward to seeing her accomplishments going forward, and am honored to recommend her for the 2023 National Youth Science Camp.”  

This year’s National Youth Science Camp will be held from June 19 to July 12. Delegates will have the opportunity to listen to keynote lecture series every day and participate in direct Q&A sessions with speakers. They will also be able to dive deeper into STEAM topics with experts in the field during seminars and meet like-minded students from across the United States. For more information about the program, please visit the National Youth Science Academy website.