Wakulla High School proudly recognizes junior Mattie Harrell as this year’s Sunshine State Scholar, an honor that celebrates Florida’s top students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Sunshine State Scholars Program, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education, highlights one outstanding senior from each district who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in STEM fields. Mattie represents Wakulla County Schools among the state’s highest-performing students.
Mattie has distinguished herself through a rigorous academic schedule, earning a 4.30 weighted GPA while excelling in some of Wakulla High School’s most challenging courses, including Pre-Calculus Honors, Chemistry Honors, and ENC1101. As a dedicated member of the Medical Academy, she has set her sights on a future in medicine, with aspirations of becoming a physician. Outside of school, she is a competitive barrel racer and an active member of 4-H, where she has taken on leadership roles and gained valuable hands-on experience.
Her Medical Academy Instructor, Kristi Lawhon, shared, “Mattie is an excellent student who has dreams of becoming a physician. She is extremely driven and works hard at achieving her goals. She is a joy to teach.”
Known for her quiet determination and strong sense of purpose, Mattie exemplifies the character and commitment that define Wakulla High School’s student leaders. She follows a long line of outstanding recipients and is deeply deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Earlier this month, Mattie participated in the statewide Sunshine State Scholars program, where she connected with fellow top students, educators, and industry leaders while gaining insight into future academic and career opportunities in STEM fields.
Superintendent Rick Myhre shared, “Mattie is an amazing reminder of the bright future in store for our community and for our country. Her outstanding accomplishments make everyone proud to know her and should remind Wakulla County of the caliber of students we have in our schools. Thank you, Mattie, for the positive example you set for all of us!”
Wakulla High School celebrates Mattie Harrell for this outstanding achievement.
From the Scholar Herself: Mattie Harrell Shares her Sunshine State Scholar Experience
By: Mattie Harrell
Participating in the 2026 Sunshine State Scholars experience was a truly meaningful opportunity that contributed to both my academic and personal growth. Throughout the program, I connected with driven students from across Florida while exploring a wide range of career paths, particularly within STEM. One of the most impactful aspects was hearing from professionals and college representatives, which gave me a clearer and more tangible understanding of the opportunities ahead. The experience encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, engage more thoughtfully, and reflect on my long-term goals. I left feeling both inspired and more confident in my ability to pursue those goals, and I am incredibly grateful to have represented my school and community as a Sunshine State Scholar.
After graduation, I plan to attend either the University of Florida or Florida State University to pursue a pre-med track and eventually earn my M.D. My goal is to become either a trauma surgeon or an oncologist, with the hope of making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.