For the 70th anniversary of the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), 13 student researchers from Heritage traveled to Lakeland, Fla. for a week-long competition. These students joined the Broward County delegation of over 40 students competing for the coveted first place and, for high schoolers, one of the four prestigious ISEF spots. This year, three students qualified for ISEF and will be competing in Columbus, OH May 12-17. 

For the first day, March 25, students woke up at 6 a.m. to travel to Lakeland and set-up their projects.  During the second day, the researchers faced two rounds of judging, one more general and one more focused. “Focus” presentations were given extra attention and were considered for higher placing. Then, students were able to attend a student mixer, accompanied with a DJ and snacks. 

Students traveled back home March 28, following the awards ceremony and recognition. Below are the placement of students:

First Place AND Grand Award Winners:

Anagha Iyer, 11 – ISEF QUALIFIER 

Kamilat Mustapha, 12 – ISEF QUALIFIER 

Second Place: 

Akshay Kumar, 12 – ISEF QUALIFIER 

Colton Poppe, 7

Third Place: 

Scarlett Asselta, 7

Aliyah Dania, 11

Patricia Duffy, 11

Fourth Place:

Olivia Chung, 9

Emma Colarte Delgado, 12

Ella Colarte Delgado, 7

Sixth Place:

Charlotte Nathanson, 8

Aarush Doshi, 6

Gabriel Cato, 6

Special Awards:

Emma Colarte Delgado, 12: National Youth Science Camp 

Charlotte Nathanson, 8: Regional award, $250

Colton Poppe, 7: Florida Agricultural Award 

_{Before opening ceremonies, the Heritage high school delegates collect downstairs in the hotel lobby. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)}

_{Middle school students collect after the awards ceremony to talk about their awards. ““I feel so fortunate to be participating in the state science fair for the second time. I love being able to share my research with other people},_{” seventh grader Ella Colarte Delgado said. (Photo/Marisol Colarte Delgado)}

_{Heritage competitors, minus Grand Award winners who are backstage, relish in their success at the State Science Fair. “I’m so glad I was able to finally attend the state science fair; it was such a fun opportunity and I was able to really take my research career to the next level,” junior Aliyah Dania said. She placed third in her category.  (Photo/Marisol Delgado)}

_{Students cheer for Broward County during the opening ceremonies. (Photos/Brian Welch)}