Sophie Chen of Caddo Magnet High and Leslie Hunter of C.E. Byrd High have been recognized as exceptional young scientists, securing their spots among the top 300 scholars in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024. The Society for Science recently unveiled the distinguished scholars, selected from a competitive pool of 2,162 applications spanning 712 high schools across the United States and 10 other countries.

These bright minds, known for their outstanding research, leadership skills, and commitment to academic excellence, will each be awarded $2,000, with an additional $2,000 going to their respective schools. The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest science and math competition for high school seniors, acknowledging students who demonstrate exceptional promise in STEM fields.

Superintendent of Caddo Schools, Dr. T. Lamar Goree, congratulated Sophie and Leslie for their dedication to research projects aimed at enhancing society through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The scholars’ innovative solutions to global challenges have earned them a place among the nation’s top STEM talents.

On January 24, the final stage of the competition will commence, with 40 scholars being named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. This select group will compete for over $1.8 million in awards during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., scheduled for March 6-13. The Regeneron Science Talent Search has a rich history of alumni who have gone on to receive prestigious accolades, including Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, MacArthur Fellowships, and substantial scholarship funding.