MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The annual Big Springs STEM Fair celebrated the talents of young scientists last week, awarding over $40,000 in prizes on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, MTI Ocala.
A total of $4,000 in cash special awards recognized students for creativity, scientific rigor, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, eight outstanding students earned all-expenses-paid trips—valued at $40,000 collectively—to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, OH, from May 10-17, 2025.
The competition was fierce, with 32 out of 170 projects advancing to the State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland, March 25-27, 2025. Among these, 15 projects come from Marion County Public Schools, with additional finalists from The Cornerstone School, Saint John Lutheran School, South Sumter High School, The Villages Charter High, Wildwood Middle High, and South Sumter Middle.
Marion County ISEF Finalists:
- Megha Sandrapaty (Forest High)
- Gabrielle Javelona & Alexandra Laciuga (Vanguard High)
Sumter County ISEF Finalists:
- Gerardo Cardoso & Jordan Mirando (Wildwood Middle High)
- Brady Kline & Sarah Colley (The Villages Charter High)
- Alynza McBride (South Sumter High)
“The achievements of our students are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for discovery,” said Erin Benavides, a resource teacher at the Silver River Museum, in a press release. “We are incredibly proud to support and celebrate their success, and we extend our gratitude to everyone who made this event possible.”
The Big Springs STEM Fair continues to inspire future innovators, offering students access to resources and opportunities that propel them toward successful STEM careers.
For more information, a full listing of awards, or to support next year’s event, visit marionschools.net/BigSprings.