Nobel Laureate Visits Long Island High School

FREEPORT, N.Y. -- The Freeport School District received a special guest on Oct. 10 when Nobel Prize winner Dr. Rainer Weiss came to Freeport High School to discuss his discovery of gravitational waves with students, faculty and invited guests.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said that he was thrilled and honored to have Weiss at the school, and called the day historic for Freeport schools. “The purpose was to have somebody of that stature, a Nobel Prize winner, being able to inspire our students to be the future scientists and the future leaders of the world,” Kuncham said.

During this memorable and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students, Weiss witnessed students mimic his black hole experiment and student research presentations. Weiss said he was impressed with the science program at Freeport schools after listening to the active science curriculum and the opportunities the district offers students.

“To hear somebody of that stature observe the work we are doing here and describe it as extraordinary, amazing and rare is gratifying,” said Kuncham.

Weiss also engaged students and staff one-on-one in conversations about science and took a tour of the high school science research lab. “Getting to meet a Nobel Laureate is an experience of a lifetime and a great moment for Freeport students and the Freeport School District,” said Vincent Pereira, director of science. “Dr. Weiss showed our students the wonders of doing science and the qualities to keep persevering until you reach your goal.”

Photos courtesy Freeport School District