The Black and White

by Jillian Mastrostefano

After an abundance of success within the classroom, Dr. Savery’s Biotechnology 2 students took their lab skills and experiences outside of their usual environment. On March 13, 2026, half of Savery’s students were selected to compete in a SkillsUSA competition for biotechnology, while the other half spent the day doing experiments with elementary school students–both showcasing immense scientific professionalism and competence outside of the classroom. 

Every year, Dr. Savery chooses ten of her students to compete at Johnson and Wales University, completing a gel electrophoresis lab, a lab write-up, and an assessment of background questions–all in front of industry professionals. This competition tests biotechnicians on their collaboration, proficiency without their instructor present, and overall success in a professional setting. Competitors are then judged against other schools such as Woonsocket, Davies, and Coventry. Winning relies on the students’ knowledge of biology, chemistry, and biotechnology–where students study and prepare months in advance. After competing for the second year, senior Alayna Bowser claims, “I feel accomplished and excited that I got to compete for a second year and improve on our mistakes from last year”. This March 31st, Pilgrim’s competitors will receive their scores and placements, hopefully bringing in another state championship, adding to the previous three medals. 

For the first year, senior biotechnology students were welcomed by Sherman Elementary, introducing a fun science activity to showcase chromatography. They performed a colorful experiment using skittles and M&M’s with various grades from kindergarten to fifth. The younger students competed with one another, pouring water to see which candy ran more vibrant color. With this experiment, it was proven that the M&M’s showcased to dissolve more color. This trip helped younger students believe that science can be fun and engaging, while also remaining educational. 

Both groups of biotechnicians proved a variety of the skills taught to them within the walls of Pilgrim, being able to apply them outside to the real world. Reflecting on her student’s overall successes on March 13th, Dr. Savery shares proudly, “It is a unique opportunity for our students to share their talents and knowledge both with industry professionals and the next generation of scientists”.