Montclair High School’s Weston Science Scholars program students were visited by a distinguished guest last month. Josh Weston, the founder and benefactor of the month-long summer learning experience, made his annual visit to meet the students and learn about their projects. Weston was accompanied by Montclair Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jonathan Ponds.
This year’s Science Scholars program included 39 Montclair High School students who researched projects spanning a spectrum of scientific disciplines, including, among others, collecting and studying stinging jellyfish in Barnegat Bay (marine biology), locating black holes using gravitational wave data (astronomy/spectroscopy, next-generation DNA sequencing (evolutionary biology) and the use of brain imaging to determine if music therapy alleviates symptoms of various disorders (neuroscience).
The culmination of the Weston Science Scholars Program was marked by a presentation event held on July 27 at Montclair State University’s Center for Environmental and Life Sciences. The students shared their findings and insights with the public, shedding light on their month-long scientific discovery.
The program, now in its 24th year, is a partnership between Montclair Public Schools and Montclair State University. It is a testament to the Weston family’s dedication to supporting education. The Judy Weston Awards, established by his late wife, honors exceptional Montclair Public School teachers in her memory. Josh Weston’s influence reaches beyond the classroom with his recent induction into the distinguished New Jersey Hall of Fame’s class of 2023, celebrating his outstanding business accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors.