Heather Sheridan was honored with the Nassau STANYS Outstanding Science Student Award for her exceptional work in geology and invasive species, as well as her research at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. This prestigious award is given to outstanding seniors from each member high school, and recipients are commemorated with a framed certificate at the annual awards dinner.

The award was presented by Christen Bellucci, an 8th grade science teacher who also taught a high school science research class last year, giving her the opportunity to work closely with Heather. Ms. Bellucci conveyed the admiration of Heather's fellow science teachers. Mrs. Clark, Heather’s current science research teacher, praised her deep passion for science and analytical thinking. AP Chemistry teacher Mrs. Houde says, “Heather is not only a great student but a wonderful person who is the type of student every teacher dreams of having, and her classmates are in awe at her mastery of each topic.”

The Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) is dedicated to "working with educators and communities to provide opportunities for all students to participate in and learn science.”