Florida Virtual School Selects 11th Grader as the Florida Sunshine State Scholar

April 25, 2024

The Statewide School District Recognizes Alex Lopez for His Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education 

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 25, 2024) — Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has selected 11th grade online student Alex Lopez from St. Johns, FL, as a Florida Sunshine State Scholar, highlighting his exceptional achievements and dedication to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Each Florida school district selects their top 11th grade students to represent their community, making Lopez one of more than 100 students chosen for this honor in the 2023-24 school year. 

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. STEM and Cybersecurity have become the driving force behind my academic pursuits and future aspirations,” said Lopez. “My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the cybersecurity field by working with renowned cybersecurity organizations, researching emerging threats, and developing innovative security solutions.”

The Florida Sunshine State Scholar program, administered by the Florida Department of Education, honors high school juniors who demonstrate outstanding talent, aptitude, and promise in STEM fields. Lopez’s selection reflects his passion for STEM subjects and his potential to make meaningful contributions to the field, his community, and the future of Florida. 

“With a passion for STEM and cybersecurity, Alex challenged himself with our Applied Cybersecurity courses, as well as college-level dual enrollment courses at Daytona State College,” said Jennifer Ludington, Florida Virtual High School counselor. “He also actively pursued STEM-related community service projects, including working with teachers from our Physical Fitness Education Department to create user-friendly online tutorial videos to help new FLVS students adjust to learning in an online environment.”

As a Florida Sunshine State Scholar, Lopez will participate in a two-day program on May 2 and 3 in Orlando, FL. The program includes enrichment activities and workshops, networking events between scholars and schools from Florida’s College and State University System, and mentorship programs designed to further cultivate his passion for STEM and expand his horizons within the field. These experiences will provide Lopez with invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, learn from industry professionals, and explore potential career paths in STEM disciplines.

To learn more about FLVS, visit the school options page. Additionally, families can enroll now with FLVS Flex (individual courses) or explore enrollment options for the 2024-25 school year with FLVS Full Time Public School (enrollment begins June 3).