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15 Okaloosa County students earn top honors at State Science Fair

Students from Ruckel Middle School and STEMM Academy earned six category awards and three special recognitions, highlighting the district’s strong science programs.

Ashley Armacost

Fifteen Okaloosa County students brought home multiple awards from the State Science Fair held March 25-27 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, competing against nearly 700 students from across Florida.

Students from Ruckel Middle School and STEMM Academy earned six category awards and three special recognitions, highlighting the district’s strong science programs.

“I am immensely proud of the dedication, ingenuity, and perseverance of our students displayed at the State Science Fair,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Their success not only highlights their talent and hard work but also reflects the strength of our STEM programs in Okaloosa County.”

Eva Stenstad from Ruckel Middle School received second place in Intelligent Machines and was nominated to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

STEMM Academy students dominated the Engineering category with Brantley Lane earning fourth place, Ryan Gregg taking third place, and Diego Escobar receiving an honorable mention.

Ian Allen from STEMM Academy placed second in Physics and joined Stenstad as a nominee to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

Moria Reyenga of STEMM Academy secured third place in Earth and Environmental Science, while Anthony Doyle earned both the Monroe County Award and NASA Award in Intelligent Machines.

The three-day competition showcased young scientists from middle and high schools throughout Florida presenting research projects across various scientific disciplines.

Chambers said these achievements demonstrate that Okaloosa students are well-positioned for futures in STEM fields. “These young scientists represent the future of innovation, and I have no doubt they will continue to accomplish incredible things.”

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