RAMVIEW NEWS : AROUND THE PREP
2ND PRIZE WINNER Thomas McFarland ’ 22 ($ 25k Scholarship ) Thomas McFarland plans to study Computer Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall .
“ iSTEAM has helped me explore interests I did not know I had ,” said McFarland . “ I always knew I loved computers , but entering Chemistry and AP Chemistry taught me that I enjoy other
If I have to pick one word [ to describe McFarland ] it ’ s ingenious . If I can pick two it ’ s fiercely curious .” types of science as well . It was a new and exciting thing to learn , and other experiences like Cybersecurity have repeated the same type of excitement .”
At the Prep , he played the clarinet in the band and is on the Swimming and Diving team . He was class president during his sophomore year .
“ If I have to pick one word [ to describe McFarland ] it ’ s ingenious . If I can pick two it ’ s fiercely curious ,” said math teacher Arianne Dempsey . “ He is interested in everything , adept in so many areas , and always seeking to know more , even sometimes sneaking in the few minutes between classes to read . A classmate of his once said as a great compliment that Tommy could just be [ Khan Academy founder ] Sal Khan ,” she added .
McFarland also attended the inaugural iSTEAM Expo to celebrate iSTEAM with his fellow classmates at the 3D Printing Club ’ s exhibit .
– Arianne Dempsey Math Teacher
3RD PRIZE WINNER Michael Reeder ’ 22 ($ 10k Scholarship )
For Michael Reeder , the iSTEAM program at Fordham Prep helped him to realize how much he enjoys collaborating with others . He will be attending the University of Notre Dame in the fall to study Science Preprofessional Studies or Neuroscience & Behavior .
Reeder played the trombone in the band and is a member of the Track & Field team . He also serves as Executive Publicist in Student Government and traveled to Tennessee in 2021 for the Appalachia Habitat for Humanity service trip .
“ It has been an absolute pleasure teaching Michael ,” said science teacher Brian Sullivan ’ 96 . “ He provides a wonderful presence in class due to his wonderful work ethic and eagerness to participate and engage with class discussions . He also provides appropriate humor and levity which also adds to the class dynamic ,” he added .
“ The science classes I have taken at the Prep have been active , collaborative , and engaging , so I would prefer a career that reflects these qualities ,” he stated . “ This is steering me towards STEM careers like medicine and engineering .”
He provides a wonderful presence in class due to his wonderful work ethic and eagerness to participate and engage with class discussions .
– Brian Sullivan , ’ 96 , Science Teacher
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FORDHAM PREP RAMVIEW