Cayuga Elementary School first-grade student Mikayla Saleh earned an Honorable Mention at the prestigious Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary Science Fair for her project, How Do Cuttlefish React to Pictures?

Mikayla’s recognition is especially impressive considering the competition. 

Approximately 40 first-grade projects, each having already earned first-place honors at their respective school science fairs across the region, advanced to the event. Among those projects, one received first place, while only three earned honorable mention distinctions.

Held annually at Brookhaven National Laboratory, the science fair gives elementary students the opportunity to present their research and engage with scientists, educators, and fellow young researchers. For Mikayla and her family, the experience was both memorable and inspiring, reinforcing the value of hands-on science education and encouraging a deeper appreciation for STEM learning.

Mikayla’s achievement also highlights the success of Cayuga Elementary School’s Science Fair, which returned this year after a lengthy hiatus. The event provided students with an engaging platform to explore topics of interest, conduct investigations, analyze results, and share their discoveries with the school community. Through the scientific process, participants developed critical-thinking and inquiry skills that will support their future science studies, including Regents-level coursework.

The fair was further enhanced by volunteer student judges from the Sachem North and Sachem East Science Honor Societies, whose mentorship helped make the experience meaningful for younger learners.

Mikayla’s accomplishment, along with the successful return of the Cayuga Science Fair, demonstrates the importance of creating opportunities for students to explore science through curiosity, creativity, and hands-on investigation. These experiences help build confidence, inspire a lifelong love of learning, and encourage students to see themselves as future scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers.