East Islip High School junior Cormac Zusmer was named the winner of this year’s Rensselaer Medal, which recognizes excellent academic achievement and serves to inspire students pursuing careers in engineering, science and technology.

Founded in 1824, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, is the oldest technological institution in North America. For more than 100 years, it has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to exemplary high school juniors who excel in the areas of math and science. This merit scholarship has a value of $200,000 and is guaranteed for the five years in the School of Architecture program for each medalist who applies, is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer.

In addition, Zusmer was also awarded the University of Rochester's Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award for outstanding achievement and superior intellectual promise in the field of science.

“I was not expecting to get two medals,” Zusmer said about earning the dual accolades. “I am really happy about this.”

Following his senior year and graduation, he plans to study aerospace engineering in college. 

“These prestigious awards recognize Cormac’s exemplary academic achievements, as well as his skill and talent in science and engineering,” school counselor Jessica Pignataro said. “I am so proud of Cormac, and I know he will have a very bright future at any university he chooses to attend.”