A brain trust of Councilman David Williams Jr. (Seat 5), the annual event gives students the opportunity to showcase their work in science, engineering, and technology, all while competing for cash prizes. This year marks the seventh year of the City of Miami Gardens’ Science and Engineering Fair.

The 2017 event took place Dec. 2017  at Florida International University – Biscayne Bay Campus and concluded with an awards presentation ceremony at Carol City Senior High.

“Each year I look forward to seeing how much effort and creativity the students put into their projects,” says Councilman Williams. “This year, we received well over 100 entries from students at 22 different schools in the City of Miami Gardens.”

Students participating in the Science and Engineering Fair competed for cash prizes ranging $100 – $750. Cash prizes were also awarded to parents of the top 15 finishers.

Winners from the Science and Engineering Fair are as follows:

1st prize  $700.00 Alejandro Rodriguez Lake Stevens Elementary
2nd prize  $600.00 Michael Liburd Scott Lake Elementary
3rd prize  $500.00 Nakia Hawkins Scott Lake Elementary

4th $375.00 Alexandria Rios North Dade Center for Modern Language
5th $350.00 Jaden Brown Hibiscus Elementary
6th $325.00 Cassadaga Diamond Miami Gardens Elementary
7th $300.00 Sharene Lawrence Norwood Elementary
8th $275.00 Malachi Jackson Parkway Elementary
9th $250.00 Ja’Kyia Rolle Norwood Elementary
10th $225.00 Shardonay Dailey Rainbow Park Elementary

11th $200.00 Khalid Matador Rainbow Park Elementary
12th $175.00 James Wimbley North Glade Elementary
13th $150.00 Genesis Whitehead Bunche Park Elementary
14th $125.00 Altonik Delke Scott Lake Elementary
15th $100.00 Amiyah Taylor Brentwood Elementary

Special Awards:

FIU Award of Promise $750.00 Gabrielle Placide Lake Stevens Elementary
Annie Neasman/JTCHS $250.00 Emily Pichardo Hibiscus Elementary
Betty T. Ferguson $250.00 Hibiscus Elementary

Community Award:

Principal Award $100.00 Valerie Gilchrist Hibiscus Elementary
Principal Award $100.00 Dr. Maria A. Castaigne North Dade Center for Modern Language
Doris Hart Science $150.00 Sieta Mobley Hibiscus Elementary

Teacher Award:

Doris Hart Science $150.00 Shontel Holts-Rich North Dade Center for Modern Language

Teacher Award:

David Williams Jr. Award $250.00 Roxie Ann Taylor N/A
David Williams Jr. Award $250.00 Lashawn Walker N/A
Florida (A & M) $250.00 Ja’Kyia Rolle Norwood Elementary

Sonshine Environmental Award $150.00 Kiarra Green Bunche Park Elementary

Parent Award $100.00 each Awarded to parents of the top 15 finishers

Patricia & Phillip Frost Museum of Science Award The school with most placed top 25 finishers will receive a free Field day from the Museum of Science.

The 2017 Science and Engineering Fair was presented by the City of Miami Gardens, with generous support from Florida International University and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. Other noted sponsors included: Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., Early Learning Coalition, The Resource Room, The Oscar Thomas Foundation, Live Healthy Miami Gardens, Anthony Brunson, P.A., Florida Power & Light, Lehman Auto World, The Muslim Communities Association, and others.

With a population of approximately 113,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle-class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in Florida and boasts many Caribbean and Hispanic residents.

The City hosts the annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival and hosted the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl, the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl™, Super Bowl XLIV™, 2013 Orange Bowl and 2013 BCS National Championship game. The City has demonstrated steady growth in the areas of community and economic development and has gained a reputation for being a hot destination in South Florida. www.miamigardens-fl.gov.