Fifty-three high school seniors from Long Island took home honors in the country's best-known student research competition.

The group of students were named Regeneron Scholars, an honor that meant a lot to the winners.

"I burst into tears, it was so phenomenal," says Jiaqi Zhang. "I can't believe it still, and I really appreciate this opportunity."

Zhang is among eight semifinalists in the Jericho School District. His study was on stress and how it impacts the thinking style of Chinese and American students.

Other projects range from cancer research to methods of preserving salt marshes.

Ahmed Perez was Brentwood's first winner in the district in seven years.

"For me to be the one is very humbling especially but I'm also very proud of the work that I've done," says Perez.