For the second consecutive year, a team of William Floyd High School science students under the direction of Christopher Orlando were selected as winners in the Long Island Regional Planning Council’s (LIRPC) annual Long Island Water Quality Challenge. The team received a $2,500 grant to implement its proposal at the school, and earned WFHS the recognition of being the first school to earn back-to-back victories in the competition.

This challenge, which is done in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, gives students the opportunity to come up with solutions to mitigate nitrogen pollution created by water runoff on school grounds. It is a part of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan, a multi-year initiative to make meaningful reductions in nitrogen pollution.

The students’ proposal involved the installation of 15 “Nitrogen Busting Barrels” to capture rainwater in areas around the school where roof runoff typically occurs. Each barrel can prevent an estimated 1,300 gallons of rainwater from reaching the ground, helping to substantially decrease nitrogen pollution during a storm. The barrels also help promote sustainability, as the water collected within these barrels are reused by the WFHS Environmental Club in their agricultural projects throughout the school year.  

The William Floyd team includes science teacher Christopher Orlando and students Erin Chen, Joyce Chen, Dulce Galeano, Noelle Giglio and Raisa Shaba.

The students and Mr. Orlando received a ceremonial check and trophy from the LIRPC as well as certificates of recognition from Congressman Andrew Garbarino, New York State Senator Dean Murray and Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella. Speakers at this ceremony included Richard Guardino, executive director, LIRPC, WFSD Science Department chairperson Dawna Cintron, Mr. Orlando and WFHS junior Joyce Chen.

“It is essential that we engage students – who are the leaders of tomorrow – about the serious threat nitrogen pollution poses to our waterways, and every year our Water Quality Challenge encourages them to become part of the solution on their campuses,” said John Cameron, LIRPC Chairman.

Congratulations to the students, Mr. Orlando, Ms. Cintron and the entire Science Department on this outstanding achievement!