Jericho Stars in “Science Fair”

By RICHARD REN, CHRISTINE BAE and MAYA MASHEB

The documentary film “Science Fair,” directed by Christina Costantini and Darren Foster, follows a group of high school students from around the world as they compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The film also features Jericho High School Science Research teacher Dr. Serena McCalla.

Dr. McCalla’s teaching methods and expertise have resulted in many successes at ISEF and other science fairs.

One of the many featured student innovators is German teen Ivo Zell who rethought the idea of the flying wing, an abandoned aircraft idea which could potentially transform aviation due to its fuel efficiency. Also featured are Myllena S. and Gabriel M., students from a poor Brazilian town who have an innovative solution for treating the Zika virus. Six other students are also highlighted throughout the documentary.

Dr. McCalla commented on the various stories featured in the film. She said, “I love the fact that the movie Science Fair showed a diversity of students because it shows we’re very lucky here at Jericho. In places where they don’t have an abundance of resources, they’re still striving to be excellent, achieving it, attending ISEF, and even winning.”

Jericho High School science research students devote much of their time to conducting experiments and collecting data for ISEF and other competitions.

According to IMDB, the documentary has won multiple awards at a variety of film festivals. At the Sundance Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival “Science Fair” was awarded the festival favorite award. “Science Fair” has also been awarded Best Film in the Cleveland International Film Festival, Best Documentary and Best of Films for Families Sidebar in the Portland International Film Festival, and was the Feature Film for the Sun Valley Film Festival.

Dr. McCalla enjoyed working with the film’s directors. “They were so personable. They asked very poignant questions. I think they were fair with how they represented us.”

From left, Ms. Valenza, “Science Fair” director Christina Costantini, Dr. McCalla, and Ms. Ryder share the excitement of the New York City Premiere at The Landmark 57 theater.

Sophomore Peter O. is interested in watching “Science Fair.” “I want to see the ideas and projects and creations that these people are going to come up with. I also want to see the process and what goes into it and what comes out,” he said.

National Geographic Documentary Films acquired the film and held many local premiers. Librarian Denise Ryder and English teacher Suzanne Valenza accompanied Dr. McCalla to the New York City premier. Ms. Ryder is grateful for the film’s portrayal of Dr. McCalla. “No one really understands what Dr. McCalla does, and the hours upon hours she spends on nights and weekends. Her work begins when the school day ends,” said Ryder.

After the New York City premiere, National Geographic chartered a private jet to fly Dr. McCalla and members of the “Science Fair” production crew to Los Angeles so they could arrive in time for the L.A. premiere.

Ms. Valenza was moved by the film and by the audience’s reaction to it. “I think the film is extremely well done, and respectfully portrays the highs and lows of competing in such a high stakes fair. I almost cried when Dr. McCalla entered the theater for the post-viewing Q&A. The audience gave her a standing ovation. That compliment to her was so well-deserved, and it is a tribute to her and the teaching profession,” Valenza said.

Dr. McCalla believes the movie is important for all her students to see. “I plan on showing every one of my classes every time I get a new set of students,” she said.