O'Neal Holds Fourth Annual SSRP Symposium

The agenda was as follows:

“The Evolution of Arts through Illuminated Manuscripts” by Katherine Fensterle

“Consciousness Theory Neuroscience’s Axiom” by Aminah Batterjee

“Archetypes in the Archives” by Abigail Jones

O’Neal launched the inaugural cohort of the Signature Scholars Research Program (SSRP) in the fall of 2022. It is a highly selective program for upperclassmen who are not only academically strong but also passionate about a specific subject area. Applications for the program are submitted during the students’ sophomore year. As juniors, they begin the two-year intensive study. In the first year, students take the Research Methodology and Philosophy course, which helps to guide their exploratory research. That same year, the scholars write an annotated bibliography and research proposal; they also identify experts on their research topic as credible sources and plan the schedule and phases of the project from beginning to end. While working with a faculty mentor during their senior year, the scholars produce a 10,000-word research paper or portfolio/product of relative weight and value. They present and discuss their research before the school community and the public. Students who complete the program earn a diploma with distinction from O’Neal.

O’Neal’s SSRP is intended to allow these exceptional students to engage in an intensive student-centered and inquiry-based course of study that will challenge them well beyond a normal college preparatory or Advanced Placement program.