The Florida Department of Education Recognizes Outstanding STEM Students at 2026 Sunshine State Scholars Event
March 9, 2026
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The Florida Department of Education Recognizes Outstanding STEM Students at 2026 Sunshine State Scholars Event
Tallahassee, Fla., March 9, 2026 – The Florida Department of Education honored Florida’s prominent 11th-grade scholars in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) during the Sunshine State Scholars Conference. The two-day program welcomed 111 of the top students from school districts across Florida to recognize their academic achievements and connect them with higher education institutions and career opportunities in STEM fields. In addition, 10 students were selected to receive scholarships made possible through the support of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and the Florida Education Foundation, education partners committed to supporting Florida’s future leaders.
“I am incredibly proud of this year’s Sunshine State Scholars. They represent Florida’s brightest young minds in STEM,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Sunshine State Scholars not only honors their academic excellence but also connects them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in higher education and future STEM careers right here in Florida. These students are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow, and we are excited to support their academic journey."
Each scholar was recognized at the event and 10 were awarded a 1-year scholarship to attend one of Florida’s top-ranked higher education institutions. The 2026 Sunshine State Scholars scholarship recipients are:
- Collier – Sarah Dabees
- Glades – Ryan Peet
- Hendry – Farhan Emran
- Leon – Rakesh Raj
- Okaloosa – Emma Michel
- Orange – Jessie Nunez Sosa
- Pasco – Jackson Cullison
- Pasco – Sai Joshitha Vadapalli
- Sarasota – Selby Kirschner
- Seminole – Gia Han Le
Hosted in partnership with the Florida Education Foundation, the Sunshine State Scholars program provided students and their families with opportunities to learn about and engage with representatives from the State University System of Florida, the Florida College System, and independent colleges and universities. Students gained valuable insight on college funding, academic pathways and postsecondary opportunities available throughout the state.
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