On Friday, May 26, 2023, the winner of the Heron Hunt Contest, sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic, was announced at the Concerts at the Landing in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. With over 90 contestants visiting 20 heron statues and taking selfies with each, Amaya Mattheisen walked away with the $1,000.
After coming up on stage to collect her cash and take pictures with Dr. Scott Smith and Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic staff, the fourth-grader revealed that she has been selected to represent her school, Edge Elementary, and her community at the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM in Atlanta, GA. from June 18-23.
- This exclusive academic program, organized by Envision by WorldStrides, aims to provide exceptional elementary school students with a unique opportunity to explore their interests and expand their learning beyond the confines of the classroom.
Amaya’s nomination for the forum came from her Principal at Edge Elementary, recognizing her outstanding achievements and commitment to academics and extracurricular activities. Alongside participating in Kiwanis K-Kids and her school’s robotics team, Amaya is also deeply passionate about sports, specifically softball and soccer for local Niceville teams. With dreams of becoming a robotics engineer, she is eagerly looking forward to gaining hands-on coding experience during the forum.
However, attending the NYLF Pathways to STEM program comes at a cost, and Amaya has taken it upon herself to secure the necessary funding. She is determined to raise $3,145 through sponsorships, and she has been proactive in her efforts.
- “My participation in the program depends on whether I can raise $3,145 in sponsorships,” Amaya explained. “I am investing every dollar I can of my own money to make sure I don’t miss out on this unique experience, and I am also taking on extra jobs to raise the funds I need. In addition, through my family, friends, and neighbors, I have already raised $950.”
Amaya’s dedication and hard work were rewarded when she won the Heron Hunt Contest. The contest was created to raise awareness about the 20 heron statues that can be found throughout southern Okaloosa County. These statues, designed by local artists selected by Okaloosa Public Arts (OPA), symbolize the community’s commitment to the arts and showcase local talent.
“This will be a powerful experience, enabling me to interact with respected professionals in various fields while building relationships with students who will be my future colleagues,” said Amaya, expressing her excitement about attending the NYLF Pathways to STEM program. “Attending this program will allow me to further my interest in robotics and reach my career goals of becoming an engineer.”
With her recent win and the support she has already received from her community, Amaya is close to reaching her fundraising goal but still needs $1,195 more to cover the tuition.
- If you would like to help her reach her financial goals, shoot me an email and I would be happy to get you in touch with her mother. Anyone who helps will get a shoutout in this newsletter.
“We are thrilled with the success of the Heron Hunt Contest and the tremendous support it received from the community. It was great to see so many individuals engaging with the local art and showcasing their creativity,” said Dr. Scott Smith. “Congratulations to Amaya for winning the $1,000 prize. We wish her the best of luck as she sets off on this extraordinary adventure, and we have no doubt that she will make her school, her community, and her parents proud.”
One Response
Way to go, Amaya!
Jared, I will happily donate to Amaya’s fundraising goal. Please let me know where to send my donation, and thank you for the outstanding reporting you provide our community!