The South Florida SECME Industry Partners for Education has recognized Seminole Ridge biotechnology academy senior Cindy Dosch as the Palm Beach County 2010-2011 SECME Outstanding High School Student of the Year. Dosch will attend University of Florida in the fall to earn her degree in Mathematics. Cindy is in top five percent of this year’s senior class, is a member of the National Science Honor Society, and was the Seminole Ridge nominee for the Pathfinder High School Scholarship award for outstanding achievement in Science. Dosch was honored on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at the 17th annual Celebration of Achievement banquet in Boca Raton. This will be the third consecutive year Seminole Ridge High has the Outstanding SECME student of the year (prior winners: 2009: Kaitlin Kilpatrick, 2010: Shelby Weininger).
Says Dosch of SECME: “The theme, “Igniting Minds Through STEM Education,” is so much more than a simple phrase to me; it’s really a description of what happened to my mind this year because of SECME. I honestly like this club because it has so much to offer. Not only does one get to see the science in action and have the opportunity to truly comprehend it, it provides opportunity in other fields such as art.” Cindy was captain of the 2010-2011 Seminole SECME team, overseeing our overall Olympiad submissions. She first joined Seminole SECME in SY2009-2010, as a part of our banner team whose submission won 2nd place. This year, Cindy contributed to many teams.
AJ Fandrey (right) and Cindy (left) put the finishing touches on the balsawood bridge
Fandrey was selected as the Outstanding SECME student of Seminole Ridge. AJ has been a club member for the past two years. Last year, he joined our mousetrap vehicle (MTV) team. His hard work, attention to details, and persistence helped Seminole Ridge SECME win 3rd place in the MTV competition at the Olympiad, which in turned helped the team win 2nd place overall for the district. This year, he took responsibility for leading a team of freshmen for their MTV submission. His supervision style was a firm hand with a light touch. He helped provide continuity among changing attendance, and as a multiyear participant gave the insight only a veteran can provide.