Mount Pleasant's Marino Is Going Places

MOUNT PLEASANT, N.Y. – While many seniors around the country are wrestling with what direction their life will take, Westlake senior and science research student Sarah Marino knows where she’s going. Literally.  The Westlake senior was notified on December 11 that she was accepted early decision to Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She will continue her research on bees, which she began through Westlake’s Science Research Program, at one of the top-ranked and highly-regarded entomology departments in the country. A third-year science research student, Sarah’s fieldwork with honey bees, which she has been conducting at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills over the past two summers, has been well received in entomology circles as well as high school science competitions. Her research on the control of the parasitic varroa mites in bee colonies earned her a third place in the animal science category at the 2014 Westchester Science and Engineering Fair as well as the Acorda Scientific Excellence Award, given to high school students engaged in exceptional scientific research. Sarah's science research teacher, Lawrence McIntyre has nothing but praise for her. "What's special about Sarah is her energy," he said. "She has such drive. She finds ways to get things done." "It’s been such a great experience," said the future "Big Red" freshman. Sarah attributes the success of her research to beekeeper Dan Carr and the opportunities she had at Stone Barns. She also credits Westlake's science research program for her growth as a student. "It helped me to write better papers and be a better presenter. And I have more confidence."  Her advice to future Westlake students regarding science research: "Do it! It's definitely worth all the work!"