Madalene Grace Hodge, a student from PJSHS, was celebrated as a Sunshine State Scholar at the 27th annual Sunshine State Scholars Conference. The event, organized by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation, took place in Orlando and highlighted Madalene's outstanding performance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The conference, attended by over 111 student-scholars and their families, spanned two days and recognized the academic excellence of Madalene and her peers. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. expressed his appreciation for Madalene's dedication to STEM education and hoped that she and her fellow scholars would continue their education within Florida's top-ranked higher education system.
State Farm, as part of its commitment to nurturing creativity and promoting STEM education, supported the event. Kevin Reeves, State Farm Enterprise Technology Manager, emphasized the importance of encouraging students to pursue STEM fields and become lifelong learners.
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation, in collaboration with State Farm, awarded 37 1-year scholarships to deserving scholars, including Madalene. Cynthia O’Connell, Director of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, commended the scholars for their dedication to high-demand fields and expressed confidence in their ability to shape the future.
Selected by Florida school districts as the top 11th-grade STEM students, Madalene and her peers participated in a program designed to connect them with postsecondary education institutions and STEM-focused employers. The scholars engaged in problem-solving activities and presentations from industry experts, with each scholar receiving a new iPad courtesy of AT&T and tickets to SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.
Representatives from Florida's premier higher education institutions, including the Florida University System and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, provided valuable insights into college funding and educational opportunities within the state.
Madalene's recognition as a Sunshine State Scholar for the 2024 conference underscores her dedication to academic excellence and commitment to the STEM fields.
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