Students Present Final Academic Concentration Projects to the Community

The array of topics studied was quite diverse, from STEM students AnnaMaria C., who researched equine cyclopia; Raquel L., who designed and coded a Roblox game; and Eunice W., who researched sustainable lifestyles and the effects of waste on our environment to Fine Arts Concentration student Manabi K., who studied technical theater and theater management and marketing; and Independent Study student Lulu K., who researched AI and cybersecurity in the U.S. and China.

Congratulations to this year’s Concentration and Independent Study graduates and mentors on their hard work! 

Below is a list of the Concentration graduates and summaries of their presentations.

View presentation videos.

Lulu K. ’25, Independent Study in International Relations

Lulu's study focused on the impact of AI and cybersecurity on the U.S.-China relationship. She explored AI's role in elections, military advancements, and economic implications, highlighting national security concerns with apps like TikTok and China's DeepSeek AI, and discussed the U.S.'s strategy of maintaining human control in AI versus China's push for full AI autonomy. She also emphasized the need for collaboration to address AI safety, data protection, and cybersecurity threats, and suggested potential areas of cooperation, including risk management frameworks and UN resolutions, to ensure global AI safety and stability. 

Manabi K. ’25, Fine Arts Concentration in Technical Theater

Manabi detailed her extensive experience and growth over the years, highlighting her involvement with the Cappies and Glamies organizations, internships in set building and photography, and her proficiency in various technical aspects such as sound systems, lighting, and costuming. She shared her set designs for productions like Beauty and the Beast and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, emphasizing her use of design software, budgeting, and community engagement. She finished by sharing her passion for marketing and photography in theater and her desire to continue contributing to local theater activities.

AnnaMaria C. ’25, STEM Concentration in Animal Science

AnnaMaria’s presentation on equine cyclopia and equine pregnancy detailed her internship at Gold Medal Farm. She discussed the rare congenital mutation cyclopia, which affects the fetus's head formation, and shared the case of a mutated foal born during her time at Gold Medal Farm and her research into what may have caused the mutation. AnnaMaria also mentioned her achievements, including being a top junior young endurance rider and qualifying for the 2025 World Championships in Romania.

Raquel L. ’25, STEM Concentration in Computer Science

Raquel spoke about her passion for gaming and her introduction to coding through AP Computer Science Principles, then highlighted her projects, including a trivia app for Kindle tablets and a decision-based game. She shared her experiences from the Girls Who Code program, where she learned JavaScript and created mini-games. Raquel's Roblox game, inspired by a zombie outbreak scenario and staged in Foxcroft’s Audrey Bruce Currier Library, involved planning, designing, coding, and debugging. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous learning in her coding journey.

Eunice W. ’25, STEM Concentration in Environmental Science

Eunice shared her experiences volunteering in China and Australia, highlighting the restoration of rainforests and the conservation of mangrove forests, then discussed her research into the impact of microplastics and reducing waste through vegetarianism and homemade cleaning products. She critiqued the inefficiency of traditional recycling methods and introduced eco-bricks, which repurpose plastic waste into building materials, as a solution, then ended her presentation by advocating for environmental conservation, stressing the importance of education and responsible behavior in sustainable living.