OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Fifteen students from Okaloosa County schools have been honored for their strong performances at the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, held March 25–27 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
Competing against nearly 700 of Florida’s top young scientists, the students were recognized across multiple categories, bringing home high placements and special awards in areas including physics, engineering, intelligent machines, and environmental science.
Category awards, which subject area experts select, include:
- Eva Stenstad, Ruckel Middle School — 2nd place, Intelligent Machines
- Brantley Lane, STEMM Academy — 4th place, Engineering
- Ian Allen, STEMM Academy — 2nd place, Physics
- Moira Reyenga, STEMM Academy — 3rd place, Earth and Environmental
- Ryan Gregg, STEMM Academy — 3rd place, Engineering
- Diego Escobar, STEMM Academy — Honorable Mention, Engineering
Special awards, which are judged by specific organizations with their criteria, went to:
- Eva Stenstad, Ruckel — Nomination to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge
- Anthony Doyle, STEMM — Monroe County Award and NASA Award in Intelligent Machines
- Ian Allen, STEMM — Nomination to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge
These awards follow February’s regional science fair at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, where students from Okaloosa and Walton counties presented their research to professional judges. Standout performers advanced to the state level.
Top regional competitors Sasha McCraine of Niceville High School and Summer House of the Magnet Innovation Center are preparing to represent the area at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) this May in Columbus, Ohio.
The Okaloosa County School District congratulated all participating students, calling their performance at the state level a reflection of their dedication, innovation, and scientific excellence.
