By Abigale Paterniti, Editor-in-Chief
Howard County High School Students gathered at John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL) to present their year-long independent research, on April 17, 2026.
This county-wide student learning conference has been a tradition for 31 years. It marks a legacy of student leadership, and passion. From research on schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease to artificial intelligence in the music industry, these active minds have reassured their mentors, teachers, and fellow students that their future is bright.
The theme for this year’s SLC conference was illuminated, shedding light through research. The students selected to present from River Hill included Rebekah Belete (IR), Suriya Kalirai (IM), Logan Kreisl (IM), Sudiksha Patel (IR), Abi Paterniti (IM), Emery Skolkin (IM). Students who were not selected had the option to be room host, ensuring that each presentation ran smoothly. Students were also given the chance to submit their original artwork and/or photography and/or perform a talent act at the conference. Whether as an avid listener, presenter, or host every student’s presence contributed to making SLC a brighter experience.
“It felt as if every single person at that conference contained a whole world of stories and information within them. When I see people passing by, I realize that they, too, took on a project hoping to make the world a better place. I couldn’t wait to talk to people and ask what they did this year in research. Everyone has their own unique topic they are passionate about, and it was so gratifying to be in a space with other like-minded researchers,” said sophomore
Rebekah Belete.
For a first timer, Belete’s perspective differs from those who have seen SLC change, adapt and thrive year to year.
“Recent additions that started last year and this year is that alumni from all the high schools send in a video about how the research program has benefited their futures. This shows the benefit of research and how it can increase opportunities as a college student,” said Mrs. Sharbaugh, River Hills research teacher, who has made this her 5th year a part of SLC.
Although SLC purpose is at its root, meant to uplift and open opportunity, there are downsides. The competitive atmosphere has only continued to increase, and the imbalance from school to school is more often ignored than acknowledged.
In the end, the conference always comes back to celebrating student excellence, and this year that was a major success. Students who attended were commemorated for their academic excellence, and most of all, others were left inspired.
“SLC made me realize how much community plays into research. Of course, you need to put in the work to find a topic, write the paper, etc. But by attending the conference, I realized how grateful I am to have an IR and IM community at RHHS,” said Belete.