School

Niceville High School junior Emma Michel named one of 10 statewide ‘Sunshine State Scholar scholarship recipients’

A Niceville High School junior has earned one of Florida’s most prestigious academic honors, joining an elite group of just 10 students statewide to receive a Sunshine State scholarship. Following […]

Ashley Ward

Add Get The Coast on Google

A Niceville High School junior has earned one of Florida’s most prestigious academic honors, joining an elite group of just 10 students statewide to receive a Sunshine State scholarship.

Emma Michel, an 11th-grader at NHS, was recognized as one of Florida’s top Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students at the Sunshine State Scholars Conference in Orlando, hosted by the Florida Department of Education.

Following her participation in the statewide event, Emma was selected to receive a one-year scholarship through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and the Florida Education Foundation.

To qualify for the scholarship, Emma completed six additional essays demonstrating her passion for STEM and outlining her academic goals, competing against top students from across the state.

“Emma represents the very best of Okaloosa County students,” said Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Her academic dedication, passion for STEM, and commitment to excellence truly set her apart. Being selected as one of only ten students in the entire state to receive this scholarship is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of her.”

Earlier this school year, Emma was named one of the Sunshine State Scholars Program representatives for the Okaloosa County School District, alongside Fort Walton Beach High School student Penelope Gordon. Each Florida school district nominates outstanding 11th-grade STEM students for the prestigious program, which highlights academic excellence and introduces participants to higher education and STEM career opportunities.

Niceville High School Principal Charlie Marello said Emma exemplifies the dedication and talent found within the Eagle community.

“We are so proud of Emma for receiving this state-level recognition and award,” said Marello. “Emma is enrolled in five different Advanced Placement courses at Niceville High School, carries a 4.57 GPA, and is a standout performer on the NHS swim team. She is one exceptional Eagle.”

Through the Sunshine State Scholars Program, Emma gained opportunities to engage with representatives from universities, colleges, and industry leaders while exploring academic and career pathways in STEM fields. The conference is designed to connect Florida’s most accomplished high school juniors with educational institutions and employers seeking to recruit top talent in science and technology.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

School

All Mary Esther, Longwood employees placed for next school year, Okaloosa HR director says

School

Free family movie event to support kindergarten, VPK registration in Crestview

School

Free books available for Okaloosa students through New Worlds Reading Initiative

Sports

Niceville High School hires veteran coach Greg Thomas to lead offensive line

Debbie Kopple commented on Okaloosa takes next step on pay-to-park exploration; free parking for residents to remain

“I am the owner of a Short Term Rental condo. I purchased my property 26 years ago, so I’m a very Long Term Property owner in Okaloosa County. I understand...”

Respond

Jennifer Hunt commented on Okaloosa County creates task force to address panhandling, vagrancy and related community issues

“Me and my husband have been homeless for 7 years in the streets and woods of Fort Walton beach. We just recently had to return back to the streets and...”

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 26, 2026

“4:36”

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 25, 2026

“2:37”

Jacob F Flanigan commented on Okaloosa takes next step on pay-to-park exploration; free parking for residents to remain

“Santa Rosa and Walton County should get free parking too”

Cyndi Davidson commented on Okaloosa County to launch in-house animal control in September

“Governor DeSantis approved 3 Bills in the last year and half that passed and are now Law. About it being a felony to abandon or tie a dog up ....”

Donna L Davis commented on All Mary Esther, Longwood employees placed for next school year, Okaloosa HR director says

“A decline of 452 students and a reduction of 4 million in funding? It seems like something is seriously wrong with that figure. Also the decline has a lot to...”

Chris Zlata commented on Okaloosa takes next step on pay-to-park exploration; free parking for residents to remain

“Being a true native born and raised here sure would be nice to have somebody that is a native on the committee. It sure is funny that the property on...”

Doris Hickey commented on All Mary Esther, Longwood employees placed for next school year, Okaloosa HR director says

“Sad to see Longwood have to close and said per decline in enough kids to continue to run the school and I guess Mary Esther also? Kind of surprised when...”

Brick Bradford commented on Okaloosa takes next step on pay-to-park exploration; free parking for residents to remain

“Sadly, the Pay to Park initiative has been approved for the (7) Okaloosa Island Beach Accessways. I say sadly because these fees will result in predictable, yet most unfortunate consequences...”