The Jessie Trice Community Health Foundation (JTCHF), in partnership with the Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) and St. Thomas University, announced the winners of its 15th Annual Science and Engineering Fair, a two-day event celebrating student innovation and academic excellence in Miami Gardens.
The student competition took place on January 21 at St. Thomas University, where approximately 100 students from participating North Miami-Dade schools presented original science and engineering projects. The event concluded with an awards ceremony on January 22 at the JTCHS Barbara J. Jordan Health and Wellness Center, drawing more than 300 students, parents, educators, and community leaders.
“Seeing the excitement on the faces of the students and their parents was incredibly rewarding,” said David Williams Jr., vice chair of the JTCHF Board and founder of the Science and Engineering Fair. “This science fair means more than projects for the JTCHF Foundation; it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and showing the children of our community that their ideas matter.”
The awards ceremony was emceed by media personality and community advocate Suzette Speaks. Students received cash prizes ranging from $50 to $750. In recognition of the role families play in student success, parents of first- through fifth-place winners received $100, while parents of sixth- through 10th-place winners received $50 on behalf of JTCHF.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the David Williams Jr. Science Award, which honored six individuals for their commitment to advancing science education and strengthening STEM opportunities in Miami Gardens.
Special Award Recipients
- St. Thomas University Award ($750): Nataly, 4th Grade
- Annie Neasman/JTCHS Award ($250): Lilly, 5th Grade
- Florida A&M University Award ($250): Dezmond, 5th Grade
- Mt. Hermon AME Church Richard Allen Award ($250): Camryn, 2nd Grade
- Plunkett Family Environmental Sustainability Award ($250): Indiya, 5th Grade
- Sonshine Environmental Award ($200): Damarion, 3rd Grade
Additional community and educator awards were presented through the Shamrao Family “Discover Your Passion” Awards, Joseph L. Cook Community Award, and Doris Hart Principal Award.
Student Competition Winners
- 1st Place: Lilly, 5th Grade
- 2nd Place: Chloe, 5th Grade
- 3rd Place: Dezmond, 5th Grade
- 4th Place: Kimiaa, 4th Grade
- 5th Place: Edwin, 3rd Grade
- 6th Place: Sarah, 5th Grade
- 7th Place: Brielle, 5th Grade
- 8th Place: D’Angelo, 4th Grade
- 9th Place: Micaiah, 5th Grade
- 10th Place: Brooklyn, 4th Grade
David Williams Jr. Science Award Honorees
- Cortnye Arce, Assistant Principal, Carol City Elementary
- Paulette Murphy, Assistant City Manager, City of Miami Gardens
- Dr. Jeffrey A. Plunkett, Dean and Florida Blue Endowed Professor, St. Thomas University
- Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP and COO, Jessie Trice Community Health System
- Lashawn Walker, Mathematics Instructional Coach, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
- Allison Worsham, Coordinator, Upward Bound, Daytona State College
Schools from across North Miami-Dade participated in the fair, including Carol City Elementary, North Dade Center for Modern Languages, Norland Elementary, Miami Gardens Elementary, Scott Lake Elementary, and several others.
The event was made possible through support from community partners and sponsors, including Jessie Trice Community Health System, St. Thomas University, NAACP Miami-Dade, Mount Hermon AME Church, Sonshine Communications, Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, and additional local organizations.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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