:
👤 Who: Students of Niceville High School, Richard Hernandez (Teacher), Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Assistant Superintendent John Spolski, School Board Member Brett Hinely, Mary Colleen Johnson, Eleanor Ballard, Lana Dorey, Lillian Kifer, Julia Milz, Gabriel Craig
💡 What: Annual Engineering Challenge Project on rising sea levels and storm surge, showcasing student research and solutions
📅 When: November 4, 2025
📍 Where: Niceville High School, Florida
❓ Why: To connect classroom learning with real-world global issues and develop critical thinking, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving skills
Students Tackle Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surge with Innovative Solutions
Niceville, Fla. — On November 4, 2025, students at Niceville High School presented their annual Engineering Challenge Project, demonstrating innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in front of elected officials, district leaders, and community members. The event highlighted weeks of rigorous research, writing, and collaboration, as students explored complex scientific and societal issues.
This year’s challenge, titled “The Impact of Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surge on Florida,” tasked students with analyzing decades of predictive data, evaluating policy and infrastructure needs, and proposing practical, cost-effective mitigation strategies. Students drew on real-world scenarios to examine the effects of climate change on coastal communities, considering both environmental and economic impacts.
Under the direction of Richard Hernandez, Gifted and AICE Global Perspectives teacher, students engaged in a multi-step research process that included consulting with engineers, analyzing historical storm-surge and sea-level data, and developing presentations with clear visual and written components. Projects focused on innovative strategies such as flood-resistant construction, coastal restoration, and community preparedness programs.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised both the students and their instructor for their efforts. “The Engineering Challenge at Niceville High School is a shining example of what happens when creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking come together,” Chambers said. “I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and ingenuity these students display each year. Mr. Hernandez does an incredible job guiding them through complex, real-world topics that prepare them for success in college and beyond.”
Assistant Superintendent John Spolski and School Board Member Brett Hinely attended the event, along with community members, including Mary Colleen Johnson, Eleanor Ballard, Lana Dorey, Lillian Kifer, Julia Milz, and Gabriel Craig. The audience observed presentations that ranged from data-driven analyses to innovative infrastructure proposals, highlighting students’ ability to translate scientific concepts into actionable solutions.
The annual Engineering Challenge Project is designed to connect classroom learning with real-world issues, encouraging students to develop skills in research, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. By focusing on pressing challenges such as climate change, the program aims to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, while fostering civic awareness and community engagement.
The 2025 Engineering Challenge Project continues to demonstrate how academic excellence and practical application can intersect, inspiring students to think critically and creatively about global issues that impact Florida and beyond.
Pictured from left: Assistant Superintendent John Spolski, Mary Colleen Johnson, Eleanor Ballard, Lana Dorey, Lillian Kifer, Julia Milz, Gabriel Craig, School Board Member Brett Hinely, and Mr. Richard Hernandez.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
Register or login with Mid Bay News and never get another pop up on our site!
