CORAL SHORES HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR GAGE COOPER SELECTED AS MCSD SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLAR

Lainey Cabanas (KWHS) and Leonard Volchek (MSH) runners-up

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – Coral Shores High School Junior, Gage Cooper, has been selected as Monroe County School District’s Sunshine State Scholar for the 2020-2021 school year.  The program, sponsored by the Florida Education Foundation is designed to bring together scholars from around the state, connect them with employers that specialize in the STEM fields, and create a networking opportunity between the scholars and schools from Florida’s College and State University System.  Cooper will join a talented pool of 103 high school juniors, each selected as one of their district’s top 11th grade STEM students, for the exciting program which will feature a collaborative student “think tank” on tough Florida challenges.

Cooper was chosen from a group of exemplary student finalists from each of the Monroe County’s three high schools, for his outstanding achievements in STEM courses, as well as extracurricular activities and work beyond the classroom.  Cooper’s teachers describe him as a creative, insightful and forward thinking individual who asks thought-provoking questions and is always willing to help another student.

“Gage has an outstanding ability to connect all the branches of science into a deep understanding of the world around us,” stated Coral Shores High School Advance Placement Environmental Studies teacher, Natalie Ledoux.  “His willingness to learn and his heart felt concern for the Earth drive his passion for success in all of his classes.  His strong work ethic and dedication to his studies will surely pave the way for this future environmentalist to change the world for the better.”

In addition to his 4.54 grade point average and top tier test scores, Cooper participates in numerous school clubs, including Mu Alpha Theta, Interact, and Drama club.  He also donates his time to various community service projects, such as the Rotary National Flea Market, Alligator Lighthouse Swim, and Mariners Hospital Walk/Run. After graduation, Cooper plans to pursue a STEM related course of study.  His current interests include the use of biology and technology in Forensic Science.  He also plans to expand his environmental activism to include the ethical use of STEM technologies to improve quality of life for all.

The Sunshine State Scholars Program will take place in June.  The two-day program will honor each scholar for their significant academic accomplishments and celebrates the potential they represent for our communities and state. In addition to the honor the scholars receive from the Commissioner of Education, the Chancellor of K-12 Public Schools and the Chancellor of Innovation, representatives from Florida’s colleges and universities meet with the students to discuss higher education opportunities available to them in Florida. This includes workshops for college applications and informational sessions on college funding for students and their parents!

SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLAR RUNNERS-UP

Lainey Cabanas-Key West High School

Weighted GPS:  4.453

Clubs/Extracurricular Activities:  National Honors Society, Model UN Club, Zonta, Conchettes, AVID

“Lainey’s motivation seems to be intrinsic.  She has an analytical mind coupled with a rare work ethic.  Lainey is unassuming, hardworking, humble, and most importantly, kind.  She will definitely leave her mark or the world.”

– AP Chemistry teacher, Donna Tedesco

Leonard Volchek-Marathon High School

Weighted GPS:  4.549

Clubs/Extracurricular Activities:  National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Academic Challenge Competition Team, Jazz band, Interact, Technology and Engineering Club

“Leo is a multi-faceted individual.  He speaks five languages and can hold an in depth conversation on a multitude of topics.  His deep passion for science, particularly physics and epidemiology, will no doubt help him achieve his dreams of making sizable contributions to society.

-MHS Principal, Wendy McPherson

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