In December, we had the honor of announcing the Okaloosa County School District Sunshine State Scholars. This distinction is awarded to just over 100 of Florida’s highest achieving 11th grade students who plan to focus on a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) based career after high school. Meriel Adair (Crestview High) and Miller Lindsley (Fort Walton Beach High) will travel to Orlando, Florida, in June for a two-day program designed to bring together scholars from around the state, connect them with employers who specialize in the STEM fields, and create a networking opportunity between the scholars and Florida colleges and universities. Lily Adams, Baker School, has been selected as the Alternate Okaloosa County Sunshine State Scholar.
To be considered for this award, students must submit an application, an essay explaining their intent to pursue a career in a STEM field and their reasoning for it, letters of recommendation, a transcript showing their success in STEM courses, a resume, and more. It is a very competitive honor to earn. We are proud that these students will represent our District, and we wish you success in your future endeavors!
Meriel Adair, Crestview High School
2023 Sunshine State Scholar
Plans after high school: Attend college and pursue a major in Animal Sciences with a minor in Zoology as well as a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
Miller Lindsley, Fort Walton Beach High School
2023 Sunshine State Scholar
Plans after high school: Attend college and pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in Biomedical Engineering.
Lily Adams, Baker School
2023 Sunshine State Scholar Alternate
Plans after high school: Lily plans to attend the University of Florida and pursue a degree in Nutritional Science and continue on to pursue a Doctorate of Dentistry.