Swedish PM visits Bronx Science

Students doing homework in the halls of the Bronx High School of Science at 75 W. 205th St. on Nov. 21 glanced up in surprise as a flurry of Secret Service members and flashing cameras passed by their lockers. 

The frenzy was part of a visit from Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, who wanted to tour the institution that has produced eight Nobel Prize winners — more than any other high school in the U.S.

“It’s a very successful school with a lot of Nobel Prize winners — that makes it very exciting,” said Mr. Löfven’s Chief of Staff Kristina Persdotter.

Many students found the leader of a country of 9.7 million unexpectedly down-to-earth and friendly.

“He’s a very cool guy,” said Aidan Landauer, 17, one of the student guides who showed Mr. Löfven around the school. “I was actually expecting someone more official, but he’s very colloquial — he’s very funny, actually.”

After Mr. Löfven expressed interest in seeing a chemistry lab on the second floor, 17-year-old Vanessa Lim, another guide, checked with the teacher before they entered the classroom. 

“I guess it’s quite dangerous if you walk in without goggles,” she warned Mr. Löfven. 

In the lab, Mr. Löfven joked, signed autographs and asked about the students’ experiments.

“He’s extremely nice. He’s very informal with the students here, which I find very respectful, even though he’s in such a high position,” Vanessa said.

A writer for Bronx Science’s student newspaper, the Science Survey, huddled among a crowd of city and international journalists who trailed the visiting leader.

It was Sharmin Shaikh’s first time meeting Mr. Löfven, though she had seen him in person over the summer on a visit to Sweden’s City Hall. Mr. Löfven, who took office on Oct. 3, was campaigning at the time.

“It’s pretty hectic, but I think our school has it down,” said Sharmin, 16. “I think the prime minister is enjoying himself.”