Students from Niceville High School showcased their innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills during the school’s annual Engineering Challenge Project presentation, held on November 4, 2025. The event drew elected officials, district leaders, and community members, all eager to see the results of weeks of rigorous research, writing, and collaboration. This year’s challenge, titled “The Impact of Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surge on Florida, ”demonstrated both academic depth and practical application as students examined decades of predictive data, evaluated policy needs, and proposed infrastructure and mitigation strategies to address rising sea levels and increasing storm-surge threats.
Under the direction of Mr. Richard Hernandez, Gifted and AICE Global Perspectives Teacher, students engaged in a comprehensive research process that included consulting with engineers, analyzing historical storm-surge data, and developing realistic, cost-effective solutions. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students and their instructor, stating: “The Engineering Challenge at Niceville High School is a shining example of what happens when creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking come together. I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and ingenuity these students display each year. Mr. Hernandez does an incredible job guiding them through complex, real-world topics that prepare them for success in college and beyond.”
The annual Engineering Challenge Project continues to inspire students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop innovative solutions that connect classroom learning to global issues.
(Pictured above, L to R: Assistant Superintendent John Spolski, Mary Colleen Johnson, Eleanor Ballard, Lana Dorey, Lillian Kifer, Julia Milz, Gabriel Craig, School Board Member Brett Hinely, and Mr. Richard Hernandez)