The School District of Manatee County has a strong focus on STEM education, which fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience in students. The district's Elementary Science and Engineering program is highly competitive, with students and teachers earning a reputation for excellence in STEM competitions.
20 Manatee County elementary schools submitted projects to the 2024-2025 Manatee Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The awards were distributed on Saturday, February 15th.
Congratulations to this year's winners -
Group Projects:
1st place - Stephanie Zagorski's class, Blackburn Elementary
2nd place - Luz Zieger's class, Blackburn Elementary
3rd place - Kathleen Catlett's class, Blackburn Elementary
Fourth grade Earth and Environmental Science:
1st place - Madilyn G.H., Moody Elementary
2nd place - Raelyn N., Myakka Elementary
3rd place - Jaelle S., Johnson K-8
Fourth grade Engineering:
1st place - Keren L.D., Moody Elementary
2nd place - Abdalkareem G., Johnson K-8
3rd place - Miles M., Anna Maria Elementary
Fourth grade Life Science:
1st place - Henry L., Anna Maria Elementary
2nd place - Christiopher R., Anna Maria Elementary
3rd place - Livingston G., Anna Maria Elementary
Fourth grade Physical Science:
1st place - Waylon W., Myakka Elementary
2nd place - Gabriella N., Willis Elementary
3rd place - Luke P., Anna Maria Elementary
Fifth grade Earth and Environmental Science:
1st place - Emma S., McNeal Elementary
2nd place - Charlotte R., Stewart Elementary
3rd place - Rowan G., Ballard Elementary
Fifth grade Engineering:
1st place - Zoe F., Bayshore Elementary
2nd place - Parker P., McNeal Elementary
3rd place - Liam G., Bashaw Elementary
Fifth grade Life Science:
1st place - Milania D., Willis Elementary
2nd place - Sawyer L., Anna Maria Elementary
3rd place - Devin D.S., Miller Elementary
Fifth grade Physical Science:
1st place - Jaiden M., Ballard Elementary
2nd place - Lisa S., Bashaw Elementary
3rd place - Melany H., Palm View K-8
Special Awards:
Penda Award – Abigail C., Stewart Elementary
In Water Research Group Award – Emma S., McNeal Elementary
WOZ Ed Award – Arya P., Willis Elementary
Gizmos Award – Gabriella N., Willis Elementary
Lego Award – Tijae M., Johnson K-8
Best in Show Award – Emma S., McNeal Elementary
Elementary School Distinguished Excellence Award – Anna Maria Elementary
The dedication of science teachers and the support of students and parents are key to the program's success. The district is committed to continuing to nurture students' curiosity and creativity through its STEM programs.
A special thanks to the Manatee Education Foundation for sponsoring this event annually. Also, we're grateful to Manatee Technical College for their support in hosting this exciting event.
