The state’s highest-achieving eleventh grade STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) scholars from each school district were the focus at an annual recognition and recruitment event yesterday and today in Orlando. The two-day Sunshine State Scholars conference celebrates the accomplishments of Florida’s elite students and provides a unique venue for the state’s colleges and universities to recruit their talents.

“The Sunshine State Scholars of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “My congratulations to the scholars for their accomplishments and am confident they will lead Florida to new heights. I also want to thank their teachers for inspiring them toward success.”