Seven students from Southwest Florida schools were recognized for academic excellence at the 27th Annual Sunshine State Scholars Conference in Orlando, and were among the state's top 11 in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The spotlight was on the students.
More than 111 student scholars and their families attended this two-day event, co-sponsored by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation, to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of these young scholars. Specifically, 37 students received her one-year scholarships provided by State Farm and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
“The Sunshine State Scholars Program recognizes Florida's brightest STEM students and their outstanding achievements in STEM education,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. He received his secondary education in Florida and achieved academic success. ”
“State Farm is committed to fostering student creativity and inspiring imagination through STEM,” said Kevin Reeves, State Farm Enterprise Technology Manager. “We encourage students to enter their STEM fields and become lifelong learners while contributing to a dynamic global society.”
Selected by the Florida School District as 11th grade STEM Outstanding Students, these scholars and their families participated in an exciting program designed to connect them with post-secondary institutions and STEM-focused employers in Florida .
This year, scholars engaged in a dynamic “think tank” to address Florida’s tough issues through problem-solving activities and expert presentations. Each scholar also received a new iPad courtesy of AT&T, and SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment generously provided tickets for his day of fun and leisure.
The 2024 Sunshine State Scholars also had the opportunity to interact with representatives from Florida's leading higher education institutions, including the University of Florida System, University of Florida System, and Florida's independent colleges and universities. These sessions covered topics such as college funding, interactive panel discussions with STEM experts, and the many educational opportunities available in Florida.
The department congratulated each scholar during the event and awarded 37 students one-year scholarships to attend Florida's top-ranked higher education institutions. Her 2024 Sunshine State Scholars scholarship winners from Southwest Florida schools are:
Eva Louise Hall, Charlotte
Casper Kern-Bridgers, Collier
Bailey Matthews, Collier
Enrique Acosta, Hendry
Ezekiel Dube-Garrett, Lee
Sophia Dupeyron, Lee
Ananya Kakayadi, Sarasota
Winners from other Florida schools include:
Joyce Huang, Alachua
Eva Rose Manalo, baker
Nivaia Foster, Bradford
Aneesha Guna, Brevard
Christina Trotti, Broward
Joshua Martin Seville, Citrus
Sophia Lynn, Duvall
MacLaine Marie Stroud, FAMU Lab School
Angelina Manjarrez, Flagler
Keegan Fleury, FSU Lab School
Jordan C. Pippin, Gulf Coast
Caitlin Carlsen, Hernando
Miyaz Ansari, Hillsboro
James Watt, Hillsboro
Juliet Schuller “Liberty”
Sheena Kurakura, Manatee
Maia D. Gueron, Miami-Dade
Katerina Kring, Orange
Jennifer Han, Palm Beach
Diana Bisekyeva, Pasco
Carolina Porcelli, Pasco
Sahil Ande, Pork
Madalen Grace Hodge (Putnam)
Kayden Walker Crowe, Santa Rosa
Josephine Daniel Lim, Seminole
Daniel Benton, St. John's
Harlandy Marceline, St. Lucy
Lily Marie Pinder Caldwell, University of Florida Lab School
Noah Isaacson, Volusia
Genna Dietrich, Wakulla
The 2024 Sunshine State Scholars Conference is proud of the Florida Education Foundation and its generous sponsors, including State Farm, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, AT&T, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Florida Lottery, Kyla Solutions, Helios Educational Foundation, TECO, and Limitless. This was made possible through your support. Solutions and school selection.
For more information about the Sunshine State Scholars Program and the 2024 conference, visit floridaeducationfoundation.com.
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