MAY 19-20, 2017 ORLANDO, FLORIDAof SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s capital development plan for...
Transcript of MAY 19-20, 2017 ORLANDO, FLORIDAof SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s capital development plan for...
RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING STUDENTS AND TEACHERS INSCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS.
MAY 19-20, 2017ORLANDO, FLORIDA
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
2 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control5600 Sand Lake Road MP 379 Orlando, FL 32819Telephone 407•356•7205 Facsimile 407•356•7333E-mail: [email protected]
Frank St.JohnVice-President. Tactical Missiles
May 19, 2017
Welcome Honored Guests:
On behalf of the 125,000 employees of Lockheed Martin, welcome to the 2017 Sunshine State Scholars program. Congratulations to the student scholars for your accomplishments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
At Lockheed Martin, we are privileged to have some of the best and brightest minds on our company team. We recognize that our future success depends on trained, capable technical talent. We also see that STEM education is vital to our national security and our country's economic strength, which is why we support the efforts of the Florida Education Foundation's Sunshine State Scholars program.
We believe strongly that advancing STEM education requires collaboration among industry, educators, policy makers and families. To make that happen we support educational initiatives that make science and technology more accessible and that inspire young people to pursue careers in these fields.
Lockheed Martin is honored to encourage the next generation of engineers and technologists. With technology at their fingertips, the possibilities for our nation's youth are limitless. We wish you great success with your future studies.
Sincerely,
Frank St. JohnVice President, Orlando Operations & TM/CMSLockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 3
Honored Guests:
On behalf of the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on being selected to represent your school district as a 2017 Sunshine State Scholar. This program recognizes exceptional students and teachers in science, technology, engineering and math, and being chosen is a testament of your commitment to academic excellence. You should take great pride in being among this elite group.
Florida is a top destination for corporations around the globe, and it is no secret that we want outstanding students like you to remain in Florida so that you can eventually join our state’s robust workforce and take advantage of our growing economy. As you prepare for high school graduation and make critical post-sec-ondary education decisions, we hope that this two-day event will provide you with insight into the many higher education and career opportunities that exist here in your home state.
Florida boasts 142 world-class colleges and universities, which offer students access to a wide variety of programs designed to meet students’ individual needs and to prepare them to achieve their career and life goals. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked Florida first for higher education, and with the state’s dedication to keeping college affordable, our colleges and universities are great options for any student.
I also want to express my gratitude for the 2017 Sunshine State Scholar sponsors. Thanks to their generosi-ty, we are able to highlight all of you – the students whose diligence has earned them a place at the top of their district – along with the educators who have helped you on your educational journey.
Sincerely,
Pam Stewart
Commissioner Pam Stewart
4 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
Agenda
FRIDAY, MAY 195:00 – 6:30 p.m. REGISTRATION Registration Desk near elevators
Scholars and Teachers check in and pick up event materials.
STEM DISPLAYS Universal Center Converse with representatives demonstrating Florida’s latest scientific and technological advances.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. DINNER & EVENING PROGRAM BallroomHosted by SeaWorldEnjoy a dinner buffet and hear industry experts discuss a STEM-focused future.
8:30 – 9:00 p.m. DESSERT & STEM DISPLAYS Universal CenterEnjoy dessert while networking with fellow scholars and program speakers.
SATURDAY, MAY 207:15 - 8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST Ballroom
8:00 - 8:50 a.m. MORNING GENERAL SESSION Ballroom 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. TEACHER'S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Palm Beach Presented by Microsoft
When not attending the workshop, please visit the recruitment fair exhibitors.
#HackingSTEM with MicrosoftBuild affordable scientific instruments and visualize data across space, earth, life, and physical sciences curriculum with students. Use lesson plans writ-ten by teachers to enrich science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes with activities and assessments aligned to standards.
9:00 a.m. – noon RECRUITMENT FAIR AND WORKSHOPS Universal Center
Schedule of Workshops for Scholars and Parents Groupings are alpha by school district
Group A Alachua – Gadsden9:00 a.m. Higher Education10:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall11:00 a.m. Financial Aid
Group B Gilchrist – Nassau9:00 a.m. Financial Aid10:00 a.m. Higher Education11:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall
Group C Okaloosa – Washington9:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall10:00 a.m. Financial Aid11:00 a.m. Higher Education
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 5
Agenda
EXHIBIT HALLMeet with representatives from Florida colleges and universities - both private and public - and learn about programs of study, internships and career opportunities throughout Florida.
WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOLARS AND PARENTSWhen not attending a workshop, please visit the recruitment fair exhibitors. Scholars may opt to send a family member to the workshops and meet with exhibitors during the entire session.
Workshop – Financial Aid Universal CenterHosted by the Florida Lottery Presented by the Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance Seeking Financial Aid Learn how to search for financial aid through federal, state, institutional, and local resources. Discussion will include legislative updates and important changes to the 2017-18 FAFSA.
Workshop – Higher Education: Scholars Universal CenterHaving A Successful College Experience: Challenges and OpportunitiesFlorida college and university student leaders will meet informally with student scholars and discuss strategies on making a successful transition, academically, socially and personally, from high school to a postsecondary campus.
Workshop – Higher Education: Parents Universal CenterCollege Life: What to Expect and How to Help Your Child be Successful Florida college and university academic and student affairs professional staff will discuss parents’ roles in promoting student success in higher education and will lead an informal Question & Answer session with parents on their issues and concerns regarding college life.
12:00 p.m. AWARDS LUNCHEON Ballroom Hosted by Lockheed Martin
Welcome from Lockheed Martin
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Keynote: Limbitless Solutions Special Recognition from AT&T
Formal Recognition of Scholars and Awards Presentation
Group Photo
2:00 p.m. ADJOURN
6 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
speakers
Tony Franklin
Tony is responsible for working with Microsoft’s Education Partners to help them “empower every student on the planet to achieve more”. That means creating a better understanding between the solutions that Microsoft cre-ates, the partners who are ready to deploy them and the schools that Micr soft solutions empower. Tony has been working directly with Educators, Learners and Partners over the past 14 years, focusing on sharing the Microsoft education experience in the 21st century with decision makers from around the world. As Tony Time (@TeachTec), he excites Educators and Learners with a deep understanding of what it takes to integrate Microsoft Education solutions in the classroom.
Tony has two passions; sharing his 4 years at the High School of the Future in West Philadelphia where he experienced the challenges of the Educator in the classroom first hand. And secondly, delivering on Satya Nadella’s vision of “Empowering every student on the planet to achieve more”. With a deep understanding of the challenges and success of implementing Microsoft technologies, Tony enjoys the “a-ha” moment that comes when education transformation truly happens and the impact that it has on teachers and students for a lifetime.
Tony is a US Army veteran. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. When not Instagram-ming his favorite meals, he’s an avid Xbox gamer, enjoys his time in the gym or on his motorcycles and plays a lot of Minecraft with his two children.
Friday Inspirationists
Education Executive, Microsoft Corporation
Rebekah Hammond DorworthTransportation Client Executive, Kyra Solutions
Rebekah is responsible for sales and value activity in Kyra's transportation and tolling practice, including solution selling, client relationship development, and client satisfaction.
Prior to joining Kyra, Rebekah enjoyed high-level experience in the executive and legislative branches of Florida gov-ernment. She most recently worked in public affairs for the Florida Department of Transportation, where she served on the executive leadership team at Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and as the legislative liaison for FDOT District 5. Rebekah draws her public relations proficiency from her communications role in the Majority Office of the Florida House of
Representatives. Her experience and insight into high-level policy decision-making have given her the right skills to help align Kyra’s solutions with the strategic vision of Florida’s government leaders.
Rebekah earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science from Florida State University and holds her MBA from the University of Florida. She is a graduate of Leadership Orlando Class87 and is active in the volunteer community. Rebekah is a member of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, through which she mentors female youths at the Orange County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. She also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem in Seminole County, Florida.
Mike Denninger
Mike Denninger is the Corporate Vice President of Theme Park Development at SeaWorld Parks & Enter-tainment. As an accomplished attraction design and engineering professional with more than 25 years of theme park and attraction industry experience, Mike currently leads and implements all technical aspects of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s capital development plan for the twelve parks operated by SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in the United States.
Mike oversees the design and development teams that build exciting and innovative new products and
attractions for a system of world-class theme parks. His responsibilities include coordinating the technical aspects of concept devel-opment for theme park attractions; management of architectural and engineering resources, oversight of attraction construction, and technical expertise for the Company’s ride operations, maintenance and safety engineering. Mike is an active member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F24 Committee on Amusement Rides & Devices, and is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) North America Safety Committee. He is a registered Professional Engineer, and holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida.
Corporate Vice President of Theme Park Development, SeaWorld Parks
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 7
Thomas Mirek
Thomas (Tom) Mirek is Vice President and Deputy Engineering & Technology (E&T), Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC). In this capacity, he is responsible for helping lead and manage the MFC E&T organization he is point of contact for Orlando operations and works in conjunction with the Line of Business (LOB) Chief Engineers and E&T functional staff to ensure successful execution of MFC’s Orlando engineering efforts. At the enterprise level he is responsible for attracting, developing and retaining tech-nical talent in accordance with the current and future business needs of MFC.
Previously, Mr. Mirek was Director, Engineering Excellence, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. In that role, he was responsible for the streamlining and integration of engineering activities to ensure that excellence in design and devotion to mission success was a primary focus. He was responsible for supporting the Lockheed Martin United Kingdom (LMUK) activities including leading the Scout and Warrior program CDRs. He also led the MFC Fellows program. He held this position from October 2012 to December 2015.
He previously served as Chief Engineer for Fire Control Systems, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of engineering performance including technical, cost, schedule and talent aspects including the Santa Barbra Focalplane site in California, from April 2006 to October 2012.
Throughout his career, Mr. Mirek has led several critical initiatives for Lockheed Martin Corporation, including several diversity ini-tiatives including being an ambassador of the Effective Leadership of Inclusive Team (ELOIT) initiative; he has also been a driver in the development of MFCs Knowledge Continuity and Talent Development efforts within E&T. Mr. Mirek also served on the Board of Trustees for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for 10 years.
Mr. Mirek graduated from the University of California, Berkley with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Vice President and Deputy Engineering & TechnologyLockheed Martin Missles and Fire Control
speakers
Albert Manero Albert Manero is the President of Limbitless Solutions, an engineering innovation company that helps provide 3D-printed bionic limbs for children in need with assistive and empowering technolo-gy. Their team shares how to make a difference on a community level by 3D printing bionic arms and promoting access and engagement to STEM/STEAM education. Albert started Limbitless Solutions as a student at the University of Central Florida, and assembled a group of fellow students who com-bined their academic skills with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. He now works in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UCF advancing the mission of Limbitless Solutions and men-toring students learning design and innovation skills. His challenge is to encourage other students to dream big dreams in engineering so that together we can create a brighter future.
Saturday Awards Luncheon Keynote Speaker
8 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
scholars
AlachuaAlex MaruniakGainesville High School
BakerLillie StarlingBaker County High School
BayKat HuttBay High School
BradfordMontana ErwinBradford High School
BrevardMuhammad Ugur oglu AbdullaWest Shore Junior Senior High School
BrowardGiancarlo CabezaWestern High School
BrowardRichard T. LiuCypress Bay High School
CalhounSofia ColeyBlountstown High School
CharlotteOlivia PalmerFlorida Southwestern State College
CitrusNicholas Andres LaheraLecanto High School
ClayEvan CollinsRidgeview High School
CollierEmily HuganNaples High SchoolSponsored by Arthrax
ColumbiaJack Diogenes DuarteColumbia High School
DeSotoMacey MullinsDeSoto County High School
DixieJesse Cole DyerDixie County High School
DuvalKashayla Y. JohnsonRobert E. Lee High SchoolSponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
DuvalCamila Jimena SanchezPaxon School for Advanced StudiesSponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
EscambiaMichael Dean HoffmanPensacola High School
FAMU Lab SchoolTakeia Michelle DavisFAMU DRS High School
FAU Lab SchoolTayna LatortueFAU High School
FlaglerAugusto de Leon, IIIFlagler Palm Coast High School
FranklinFaith SappFranklin County School PK-12
FSU Lab SchoolHunter HansteinFlorida State University Schools
GadsdenTrentorria GreenEast Gadsden High School
GilchristMolly Shay O'SullivanBell High School
GladesBrooks BassMoore Haven Middle High School
GulfSydnee O'DonnellPort St. Joe High School
HamiltonJesus GarciaHamilton County High School
HardeeTaylor BoneHardee Senior High School
HendryLazaro SandovalLaBelle High School
HernandoAlison PagerHernando High School
HighlandsBryce LangstonAvon Park High School
HillsboroughGrant J. LoPrestiSteinbrenner High School
HillsboroughRobert SchofnerH. B. Plant High School
HolmesMartina SteversonHolmes County High School
Indian RiverKatelyn WahlSebastian River High School
JacksonMurphy DoelmanGraceville High School
JeffersonKristal NogalJefferson County Middle-High School
LafayetteLeesa Marie G. PriceLafayette High School
LakeMarion Cahill HarperEustis High School
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 9
scholars
LeeMohamed BabikerSouth Fort Myers High School
LeeDru RicciCape Coral High School
LeonGraham O'DonnellLincoln High School
LibertyMary Beth BrownLiberty County High School
MadisonHannah CooperMadison County High School
ManateeJason EdelkindManatee High School
MarionTyler LehmanVanguard High School
MartinAleksandra DrmanovicMartin County High School
Miami-DadeAzhar MoihdeenMiami Senior High School
Miami-DadeCavan WilsonCoral Gables Senior High School
MonroeBenjamin RyderMarathon High School
NassauRaymond Allen Pace, Jr.West Nassau High School
OkaloosaConnor Nicholas ClevelandFort Walton Beach High School
OkeechobeeCristian RiosOkeechobee High School
OrangeHannah Gordon BreedLake Nona High School
OrangeNavindra MarajColonial High School
OsceolaAngel Antonio Mata-RamirezCelebration High School
Palm BeachMatthew B. HakkarainenAlexander W. Dreyfoos Schoolof the Arts
Palm BeachGianluca F. TartaroBoca Raton Community High School
PascoShivadarshan MuraliGulf High School
PinellasVirginia WeaverBoca Ciega High School
PinellasAndrew WhighamSeminole High School
PolkCory BakerFrostproof Middle-Senior High School
PolkHaley Nicole FrySummerlin Academy
PutnamKelsey JonesPalatka High School
Santa RosaRichard MuscaGulf Breeze High SchoolSponsored by AppRiver
SarasotaCaleb WaltonNorth Port High School
SeminoleKayla KalhorLake Mary High School
St. JohnsNicholas FamularoPonte Vedra High School
St. LucieJoseph Ricardo Wild RiosTreasure Coast High School
SumterTiffany LiuThe Villages Charter School
SuwanneeTimothy J. ChoeSuwannee High School
TaylorJarrett TouchtonTaylor County High School
UF Lab SchoolAndrea WrightP. K. Yonge DevelopmentalResearch School
UnionMadelyn KishUnion County High School
Virtual SchoolDaniel Steven PoltFlorida Virtual School
VolusiaBenjamin HersteinMainland High School
WakullaJ. Daniel Sullivan, IIIWakulla High School
WaltonKelsea RobertsFreeport High School
WashingtonPayton Alter PoppellVernon High School
10 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
teachers
AlachuaJeffrey Kanipe
BakerLeigh Ann Hays
BayNancy Browne
BradfordLina Fares
BrevardAnnie Nery
BrowardBrandon Boswell
BrowardMagda Murphy-Bozkurt
CharlotteMichael Mitchell
CitrusTy Hamilton
ClayAlexandra Olis
CollierAmanda McLean
DeSotoLisa Lambert
DixieSanil Somakumar
DuvalSean Eaton
DuvalJohn Martin
FAMU Lab SchoolSean Crowe
FlaglerJodi Mulvihill
FranklinRoderick Robinson
FSU Lab SchoolMelanie Hester
GadsdenAlesia Grimsley
GladesSteve Petti
HendryLucia Aguiar
HighlandsPenny Jahna
HillsboroughStephen Messina
HillsboroughLindsay Tait
Indian RiverKaryn Daniel
JacksonRichard Wheatley
LafayetteConnie Pearson
LeeKatherine Morris
LeonRandal Stowers
LibertyBeth Brown
MarionEuan Hunter
MartinTracey Hurt
Miami-DadeErick Hueck
MonroeCarrollyn Cox
NassauKarol Siusta
OkaloosaDevon Stewart
OkeechobeeDaniel Alford
OrangeElvira Tomlin
OsceolaMichael Kesten
Palm BeachOlive Bryan
Palm BeachIan Gropper
PinellasLaurie Vaughn-Grantges
PolkRachel Nicholson
PolkJackeline Rivera
PutnamChad Shryock
Santa RosaJeff Baugus
St. JohnsKaren Ford
St. LucieStephen Maxwell
SuwanneePaula McMillan
TaylorJesika Curry
UF Lab SchoolAnn Marie Heller
UnionRenae Allen
Virtual SchoolJanet Ruppert
VolusiaDrew Hilburn
WakullaBrian Jacobs
WaltonAmy Baker
WashingtonRay Jensen
Thank you to the following teachers for inspiring today's scholars!Alphabetical by district
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 11
Exhibitors
Ave Maria UniversityBarry University
College of Central FloridaDaytona State College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Florida A&M UniversityFlorida Atlantic University
Florida CollegeFlorida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of TechnologyFlorida International UniversityFlorida Polytechnic University
Florida Southern CollegeFlorida SouthWestern State College
Florida State UniversityIBM
Indian River State CollegeJacksonville University
MicrosoftNew College of Florida
Polk State CollegeSaint Leo University
St. Petersburg CollegeStetson University
The Scripps Research InstituteUniversity of Central Florida
University of FloridaUniversity of North FloridaUniversity of South FloridaUniversity of West Florida
Exhibitors
12 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
map of facilities
CONVENTION CENTER
Hotel Lobby South TowerElevators
North TowerElevators
Courtyard
Palm Court Deli
Gift Shop
Executive Offices
Sales Office
GuestServices
Sawgrass
Valet
PoolTerrace
SpaChildren’s
PoolPoolBar
Pool
Universal Center
FitnessCenter
Boardroom
GameRoom
GuestLaundry
StarbucksCoffee Shop
Front Desk
Bell Desk
Parking Desk
Convention Center Parking To Kirkm
an Rd
Hotel Parking
To Major BlvdTo Vineland Rd
HOTEL
ParkingGate
BusinessCenter
Duval
St. John’s
Sarasota
Hillsborough
Pinellas Lake
Osceola
OrangeSeminole A
ConventionOffice
Seminole B
Florida Keys
Dade
Broward
Palm Beach
Volusia
Cape Canaveral
Indian River
Citrus Crown Ballroom
Pay PhonesConvention Center
Entrance
EXITEXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT Pay P
hones
EXIT EXIT
Hotel Entrance
Stage
Reception
Exhibits
FinancialAid
Workshop
Registration
Teacher Workshop Higher
EducationWorkshopScholars
Higher EducationWorkshopParents
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 13
map of facilities
CONVENTION CENTER
Hotel Lobby South TowerElevators
North TowerElevators
Courtyard
Palm Court Deli
Gift Shop
Executive Offices
Sales Office
GuestServices
Sawgrass
Valet
PoolTerrace
SpaChildren’s
PoolPoolBar
Pool
Universal Center
FitnessCenter
Boardroom
GameRoom
GuestLaundry
StarbucksCoffee Shop
Front Desk
Bell Desk
Parking Desk
Convention Center Parking To Kirkm
an Rd
Hotel Parking
To Major BlvdTo Vineland Rd
HOTEL
ParkingGate
BusinessCenter
Duval
St. John’s
Sarasota
Hillsborough
Pinellas Lake
Osceola
OrangeSeminole A
ConventionOffice
Seminole B
Florida Keys
Dade
Broward
Palm Beach
Volusia
Cape Canaveral
Indian River
Citrus Crown Ballroom
Pay PhonesConvention Center
Entrance
EXITEXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT Pay P
hones
EXIT EXIT
Hotel Entrance
Stage
Reception
Exhibits
FinancialAid
Workshop
Registration
Teacher Workshop Higher
EducationWorkshopScholars
Higher EducationWorkshopParents
14 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
special appreciation
The Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart
Chancellor Hershel LyonsExecutive Vice Chancellor Mary Jane Tappen
Meghan CollinsCheryl Etters
Tavarius EberhartMegan PenikEmily Pullen
Audrey WaldenPatricia DuncanHeidi Brennan
Jan Smith Gerri McCormick
State University System of Florida Chancellor Marshall M. Criser, III
Catherine Oakley
The Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega
Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida
Ed H. Moore, Ph.D. Elizabeth B. Winslow, Ph.D.
Events for Learning, LLC Noëlle Bonard
Special Appreciation to
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 15
special appreciation
The Florida Education Foundation Officers
Connie E. W. Smith, Chair Maureen Wilt, Treasurer
Jennifer Grove, Secretary
Directors Stacy Carlson
Charles HokansonAlan J. Levy Tom Loftus
John MerlinoPiyush Patel
Ex-Officio Members Mary Chance Diane McKee
Jessica Solano
Executive DirectorTracy A. Pierce, Ph.D.
Operations Manager Laurie Levine
Mission Statement As a valued partner in public education, the Florida Education Foundation
invests in high achievement for every student tocontribute to Florida’s globally competitive workforce.
Vision Statement Every Florida student graduates from high school ready for
post-secondary education and a career.
www.floridaeducationfoundation.org
16 | 2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
special appreciation
Organized in 1997, the Sunshine State Scholars program was designed to recognize students, teachers, and schools that achieved excellence in mathematics and science. High school seniors participated in a statewide competition that used their basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, and biology to solve interdisciplinary problems requiring independent and creative thinking. Students competed and were recognized at district and regional levels. The ten Regional Scholars completed a challenging written exam and presented a research paper on a single topic, and from this group, a Statewide Scholar was named. The Regional Scholars and the Statewide Scholar were recognized at a ceremony where each Scholar formally paid tribute to his/her outstanding teacher.
Mathematics and science experts from education, business, and government served on the all-volunteer steering committee, overseeing the development of the assessment tools and monitoring and executing the competitions. For many years, Dr. William H. Caldwell from the Florida Institute of Education at the University of North Florida was the driving force and inspiration behind Sunshine State
Scholars. Dr. Caldwell worked diligently to secure annual funding. When other sources were no longer available, Senator Stephen R. Wise, Commissioner Eric J. Smith, and the Florida Education Foundation championed the program continuing its service, recognizing our best and brightest.
Today the program has evolved from its original format. Each school district throughout Florida selects its top 11th grade student in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based on established criteria. These Scholars, along with their parents and teachers, convene to receive recognition for their achievements. They also have opportunities to meet with representatives from Florida’s colleges and universities, learn about STEM-related programs of study and internships, and experience why Florida is the best place to learn and pursue an exciting career.
The 2017 Sunshine State Scholars program is a collaboration among the Florida Education Foundation, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System, the State University System of Florida, and the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida.
A Brief History of Sunshine State Scholars
2017 SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS | 17
Notes
VISIT SUNSTATESCHOLARS.COMfacebook.com/educationFL @EducationFL youtube.com/educationFL pinterest.com/�oridaDOE