Fort Walton Beach High School’s Penelope Gordon and Niceville High School’s Emma Michel have been selected as Okaloosa County School District’s 2025 Sunshine State Scholars.

• Crestview High School’s Adonaiah White named as the district’s alternate scholar.

The Sunshine State Scholars Program is an annual initiative that recognizes Florida’s top 11th-grade students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. 

Each school district selects its most outstanding STEM scholars to participate in a two-day event in Orlando, where they can network with STEM-focused employers and colleges and be honored for their academic excellence and aspirations in these critical fields.

“Penelope, Emma, and Adonaiah exemplify the talent, determination, and curiosity that drive innovation and discovery,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the future.”