Students from the Okaloosa and Walton county school districts display awards from the 69th State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida, held from April 1–5, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida. (Contributed)
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The East Panhandle Regional Fair delegation had an outstanding showing at the 69th State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida, held from April 1–5 in Lakeland, Florida.
For the week, 19 talented students from the region showcased their scientific prowess, competing against winners from 36 other regions across Florida. It was a week filled with intense competition, exciting field trips, and well-deserved recognition.
One fair highlight was a STEM field trip to iFLY, where students could apply their scientific knowledge in a thrilling environment. From calculating predicted terminal velocity to engaging in experimental data collection, the students immersed themselves in science firsthand, experiencing the wonders of a vertical wind tunnel.
The dedication and hard work of the East Panhandle students paid off handsomely, as they walked away with an impressive haul of awards. In total, they earned 17 awards, with 13 students receiving individual recognition on stage—an achievement that speaks volumes about their talent and commitment to scientific inquiry.
Among the standout performers were Ian Allen from Okaloosa STEMM Academy, who secured 3rd place in Physics and Astronomy, Junior Division, and Jaylyn Contento, also from Okaloosa STEMM Academy, who received category recognition in Chemistry, Junior Division.
Caden Crawley, another student from Okaloosa STEMM Academy, was honored with the Sarasota Regional Fair Award for excellence in science research and category recognition for Engineering, Junior Division.
Emily Danaher of Ruckel Middle School distinguished herself by winning NOAA’s prestigious Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award, highlighting her project’s emphasis on understanding and predicting changes in the Earth’s environment.
Meanwhile, Elena Henderson of Okaloosa STEMM Academy received category recognition in Intelligent Machines, Robotics, and Software Systems, Junior Division.
Aurora Mendenhall, representing Niceville High School, captured the Tomorrowland Regional Award for excellence in scientific research with a forward-looking vision. A third-place finish in the Senior Division of Math and Computational Sciences complemented her accomplishment.
Other notable awardees included Christopher Nicoloff and Emmalynn Otzenberger from Okaloosa STEMM Academy, Moira Reyenga from Okaloosa STEMM Academy, Eva Stenstad from Ruckel Middle School, Cameron Estrada from Magnet Innovation Center in Walton County, Zack Hirschinger from Magnet Innovation Center, and Zoe Orange from Paxton School.
Cameron Estrada was recognized with the United States Air Force Award for outstanding science research, while Zoe Orange was awarded the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences General Scholarship, an impressive achievement that comes with a $10,000 scholarship over four academic years.
— Ian Allen, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
3rd Place in Physics and Astronomy, Junior Division
— Jaylyn Contento, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
Category Recognition in Chemistry, Junior Division
— Caden Crawley, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
Sarasota Regional Fair Award for excellence in science research ($50); and Category Recognition for Engineering, Junior Division
— Emily Danahe, Ruckel Middle School
NOAA’s Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award for a project that emphasizes NOAA’s mission to understand and predict changes in Earth’s environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs (certificate, medallion, and letter)
— Elena Henderson, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
Category Recognition in Intelligent Machines, Robotics, and Software Systems, Junior Division
— Aurora Mendenhall, Niceville High School
Tomorrowland Regional Award for excellence in scientific research with a vision for the future of science ($50); 3rd place in Math and Computational Sciences, Senior Division
— Christopher Nicoloff, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
Honorable Mention in Engineering, Junior Division
— Emmalynn Otzenberger, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
2nd Place in Physics and Astronomy, Junior Division
— Moira Reyenga, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
4th Place in Environmental Engineering, Junior Division
— Eva Stenstad, Ruckel Middle School
Friends of the Science Fair Award for research demonstrating outstanding creativity ($50); South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair Award for a project with research demonstrating outstanding creativity ($50)
— Cameron Estrada, Magnet Innovation Center
United States Air Force Award for outstanding science research (certificate, sling pack, power bank, USB Drive, USB car charger)
— Zack Hirschinger, Magnet Innovation Center
Honorable Mention in Environmental Engineering, Senior Division
— Zoe Orange, Paxton School
University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences General Scholarship Award ($10,000 over four academic years); Recognition in Environmental Engineering, Senior Division
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