[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING OKALOOSA STEMM ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MATT GAETZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2023

  Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a school from my 
district, the Okaloosa Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, 
and Medical (STEMM) Academy, on achieving the remarkable milestone of 
being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. Okaloosa STEMM 
Academy is one of only 13 schools from the State of Florida to earn 
this distinction and one of only 353 nationwide in 2023. This 
achievement is a testament to the teachers and staff's dedication to 
student success and their pursuit of excellence.
  The Okaloosa STEMM Academy is an innovative middle school that 
provides a free and public education to sixth through eighth grade 
students in Okaloosa County with a curriculum focused on academic rigor 
and excellence. The STEMM Academy was established in 2012 as part of 
the Okaloosa STEMM Center. The curriculum has been specifically 
designed to enable students to transition to high school having 
completed numerous high school courses, including Algebra I Honors, 
Geometry I Honors, Physical Science Honors, Fundamentals of Web Design, 
and Earth Space Science Honors. I am proud that Northwest Florida is 
home to a multi-faceted academy for students interested in pursuing 
STEMM careers.
  I, along with all of Northwest Florida, thank Principal Scheree 
Martin, the teachers, administration, and staff at Okaloosa STEMM 
Academy for their hard work and dedication to their students, families, 
and this community.
  On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I am 
privileged to recognize Okaloosa STEMM Academy on this incredible 
achievement.

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