Recently, class of 2024 Magnet alumna Madi Williams published research in the Life journal on peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Through a collegiate program called MedRamp, her team analyzed data on genetic mutations across patient groups and compared variations by ethnicity and gender, with the goal of better understanding how the cancer occurs across populations in order to improve prevention and treatment.

What stood out to Madi the most wasn’t just the research process, but the broader impact that it could have. “We’re looking at the whole person and all of the factors that could contribute,” she says, “so that was exciting, and we hope to help more people in the future with that data.”

With her research published, Madi has accomplished an incredible milestone in her academic career. When asked what prepared her most for this experience, Madi emphasizes that the Magnet program played a major role in helping her feel comfortable with the research process by teaching her important skills such as structuring a research paper. She also greatly appreciates the variety of research projects she completed in high school through Magnet that helped pave the path toward the research that she decided to pursue in college.

Beyond academics, Madi highlights the importance of connection within the Magnet program. “I think Magnet classes and the experiences you have help you make connections with your teachers and ask questions to learn more about subjects you’re interested in.” These relationships gave her the confidence to reach out for support and take initiative, skills that continue to shape her college experience today.

Today, Madi continues to build on her strong foundations beyond the classroom. Whether it’s through conducting public health research on childhood stability and long-term health outcomes or competing as a Division I rower, her work reflects the same excellence and initiative that she has always demonstrated.

Madi’s research can be viewed here!

Over the years, many Magnetos have launched initiatives to give back to their community. One current example is the “Young Notes of Caring” event, hosted by Words For All—a Camas-based nonprofit recently founded by MST sophomores Katherine Liu and Evelyn Chen.

💌 Want to make someone smile? —> Click here to write a note to a young patient!

Recently, our sophomore students have been busy reading Lord of the Flies (LOTF) in their MST Honors English class. This debut novel by British writer William Golding follows a group of schoolboys who are stranded on an island after a plane crash. With the progression of the story, civilization crumbles and chaos reigns.

As students analyzed the themes of the novel, Mr. Greene gave them a chance to experience island competition with a survival challenge (where luckily, no lives are at stake). Over the course of 3 weeks, groups participated in a series of LOTF themed challenges that included songwriting, PSAs, and choreographing interpretive dances, all while competing for extra credit and glory. Congratulations to the winning group! Their final challenge performance is linked below.

On January 15th, Dana Sparling gave a radio broadcast recital on All Classical Radio, a station with over 250,000 listeners across the world. Dana is a rising flutist and All Classical Radio’s current young artist in residence. She has been playing the flute since 6th grade band, when she started taking lessons at Beacock Music. She now plays in MYS’s Symphony Orchestra and PYP, and studies with Zach Galatis. Dana recalls that while she was initially nervous about being on radio, the staff at All Classical Radio were very supportive, and helped her feel more comfortable with performing.

Dana will be appearing on the station again later this year, so keep an eye out on the All Classical Radio website for any updates!