Michaelr Ebert News Today

Students from across the Island displayed their talents in competitions last month.

The students had competed in the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, an annual event that received more than 400 submissions from 58 local schools in 13 categories ranging from animal sciences to microbiology and chemistry.

"I'm a mom of three, and my instincts just kicked in," said Francesca Augello. "I'm just happy everything worked out."

Meoldy Hong took first place last month in the Long Island Brain Bee.

MIke Busch's actions "ultimately led to the successful rescue of the subject in the water and saving a man's life," said one rescuer.

The teams are among 40 across the country to qualify for the national level at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan on April 11-12.

Ryan Scuderi donates hats to kids who, like him, lose hair through chemotherapy.

"These amazing performances are a testament to the time, preparation, dedication and intelligence of our students and their advisors," said William Floyd School District Superintendent Kevin Coster.

The merit-based scholarship, which covers the full cost of an academic year abroad, will allow the student to spend 10 months living with a host family and attending a private high school in Morocco.

Long Islanders head to the polls Tuesday to vote on school districts' nearly $15.2 billion in proposed spending, as well as hundreds of school board candidates. Included in the budgets are a combined $9.5 billion in school property taxes.