(Black PR Wire) This year marks the seventh year of the City of Miami Gardens’ Science and Engineering Fair. 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.The 2017 event took place on December 11th at Florida International University – Biscayne Bay Campus, and then concluded with an awards presentation ceremony on December 12th at Carol City Senior High.

“Each yearI 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.”

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.

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:

Place       Amount      Student Name            School Name

1st          $700.00   Alejandro Rodriguez       Lake Stevens Elementary

2nd        $600.00   Michael Liburd                  Scott Lake Elementary

3rd         $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:

Award Title                    Amount               Name(s) of Recipients           School Name

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

About the City of Miami Gardens

The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003, and is the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. 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.

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