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Okaloosa STEMM Academy students earn top honors at Florida History Day competition

Students showcased excellence in historical research through documentaries and performances, while teacher Andrew Adams received statewide recognition as Teacher of Merit.

Ashley Ward

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Students from Okaloosa STEMM Academy won multiple awards at the 2025 Florida History Day State Competition for their historical research projects, the school district announced last Thursday.

Olivia Scopac received the Florida Digital History Award for her documentary “Vietnam Above the Treetops,” which highlighted her understanding of digital storytelling and historical analysis.

Aurora Preston earned the Women’s Heritage Award for her documentary “The Night Witches: How Soviet Women Pursued Their Responsibility to Defend Their Country.” Preston also received the Outstanding County Award for Okaloosa County.

Students Ellie Veal and Klare Young won First Place in the National Maritime Historical Society Award for their group performance titled “Amelia Earhart’s Rightful Flight.” In addition to receiving a cash prize, their work will be featured in the National Maritime Historical Society’s magazine, published here.

STEMM Academy educator Andrew Adams was named the Florida History Day 2025 Teacher of Merit. This recognition is awarded annually to one Florida teacher for creativity and commitment to history education inside and outside the classroom. This marks the second consecutive year an educator from STEMM has received this honor.

“These outstanding accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of our students and educators,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are incredibly proud of their achievements and how they represent the excellence of Okaloosa County Schools.”

The Florida History Day program challenges students to explore historical topics aligned with an annual theme through research papers, performances, documentaries, exhibits, and websites.

The program at STEMM Academy has been active for over a decade, providing students with research skills, historical awareness, and public speaking confidence.

For more information about Florida History Day and the complete list of 2025 winners, visit here.

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