Smithtown High School West 11th grader, Heng Ye, is the driving force behind a LIRR simulator cab being available for public use at the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.
The cab has been at the museum for more than half a decade, but sat idle. So Ye reached out to museum officials and offered his computer programming services to help transform it for public use, complete with sights and sounds of an actual ride.
"I feel glad that I was able to use my skills in a meaningful project for historical preservation and awareness," said Heng Ye.
"My favorite part was seeing everything come to life after many trials of debugging".
Ye has been taking computer programming classes since fourth grade, and used to visit the museum as a young child.
"Through his unwavering creativity, knowledge and initiative, Heng Ye crafted a project that offers Long Island an interactive and fun experience," said High School West Assistant Principal, Annemarie Freund. "High School West is so proud of all that he has accomplished and we are looking forward to continue to celebrate his future endeavors."
He, and the general public, can now experience the fruits of his labor when the simulator opens at the end of May.
To read Newsday’s article on Ye, click HERE.
Pictured left to right: Junior Heng Ye and Assistant Principal Annemarie Freund
