April 2025—Wakulla High School upcoming senior Sam Bruce was honored as Wakulla County School District’s 2025 Sunshine State Scholar at the 28th annual Sunshine State Scholars Conference, held in Orlando. With 112 of Florida’s top 11th-grade student-scholars and their families in attendance, the two-day event—co-hosted by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation—celebrated academic excellence and leadership in the STEM fields.
Sam, the son of Richie and Millie Bruce, is a well-rounded student with a strong interest in STEM disciplines. He was selected by a Wakulla High School committee for his outstanding academic record, his passion for math and science, and his nearly perfect ACT college entrance exam scores. In addition to his academic achievements, Sam is a double varsity athlete, playing both baseball and soccer for Wakulla High School, and is an active member of the school’s Medical Academy.
According to the DOE Press Release, each year, Florida school districts select their top 11th-grade STEM students to participate in the Sunshine State Scholars program. The event connects these scholars with Florida’s postsecondary institutions and STEM-focused employers. Students engaged in a dynamic “think tank,” tackling real-world challenges impacting Florida, including issues related to the environment. Sam and his team worked collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to address critical environmental concerns in the state.
During the conference, scholars also had the opportunity to interact with representatives from Florida’s premier colleges and universities, participate in panel discussions with STEM professionals, and gain valuable insight into college funding and the application process. Reflecting on the experience, Sam shared that it was “helpful for preparing for college and offered valuable insight into the application process.”
“We are incredibly proud of Sam and the hard work that led to this recognition,” said Wakulla High School Principal Michele Falk. “He represents the very best of our War Eagle family—both in the classroom and in the community.”
Wakulla High School congratulates Sam Bruce on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to all the achievements his future holds.