Sunshine State Scholars Collier County 2026 celebrates two exceptional Collier County Public Schools juniors: Maximus “Max” Bogert of Palmetto Ridge High School and Sarah Dabees of Aubrey Rogers High School. Chosen for their academic excellence, passion for science, and commitment to future STEM careers, these students will represent CCPS at the prestigious statewide Sunshine State Scholars conference and inspire STEM-loving teens across Collier and Lee Counties.
What is the Sunshine State Scholars program?
Established in 1997, the Sunshine State Scholars program recognizes Florida’s top 11th-grade students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Each school district may nominate a limited number of students based on enrollment, and Collier County Public Schools receives two allocations each year.
To be considered, students must meet a rigorous set of criteria. Scholars maintain a high GPA, complete advanced coursework, and demonstrate a clear interest in a STEM-related field. The Sunshine State Scholars Collier County 2026 honorees reflect how CCPS encourages students to challenge themselves academically while exploring future STEM pathways.
How does CCPS select its Sunshine State Scholars?
Within Collier County, the nomination process begins at each high school. Every CCPS high school may nominate up to five qualified students who meet the program’s academic and STEM-focused requirements.
From there, candidates participate in an extensive essay and interview process. This step allows students to share their stories, explain their goals, and show how STEM has shaped their lives.
- Maintain a strong GPA throughout high school.
- Complete advanced and honors-level STEM coursework.
- Show sustained interest in a STEM-related field.
- Express their goals through essays and interviews.
This year, Max and Sarah distinguished themselves not only through outstanding academics, but also through a clear, heartfelt passion for their areas of study.
Meet Maximus “Max” Bogert of Palmetto Ridge High School
Max Bogert hopes to pursue molecular and cellular biology in college and eventually attend medical school. His long-term goal is to become a gastrointestinal pathologist, a field that combines deep scientific knowledge with caring for patients.
For Max, the appeal of STEM is the sheer breadth of what he can explore and learn.
“With STEM, there are so many different aspects, so many different fields, so many different places of study,” Max said. “There is so much within one single field that you can learn about, and I just want to learn it all!”
Being named one of the Sunshine State Scholars Collier County 2026 honorees gives Max the chance to share that enthusiasm with educators and professionals from across Florida.
Meet Sarah Dabees of Aubrey Rogers High School
Sarah Dabees is passionate about sustainable engineering and environmental research. A longtime competitor at state-level science fairs, she finds inspiration in both presenting her work and learning from other students’ projects.
“I love helping the community, and I want to continue my research on environmental science and environmental engineering to build a more sustainable future,” she said. “Not only do I get to present my own research and findings … but I also get to see what everybody else has been doing.”
Her dedication to environmental science and engineering shows how CCPS students can use STEM to address real-world challenges. Sarah’s journey highlights the power of curiosity, persistence, and using science to create positive change.
What happens at the Sunshine State Scholars conference?
As Sunshine State Scholars, Max and Sarah are invited to attend the statewide conference alongside other high-achieving juniors from across Florida. There, they will be recognized for their accomplishments and connect with representatives from the state’s colleges and universities.
During the event, Scholars explore STEM programs of study and potential internship opportunities, learning more about the paths that can lead from high school classrooms and labs to future careers. It is also a chance to see how their hard work in Collier County fits into the larger picture of STEM education statewide.
Finding community in STEM
For Sarah, the highlight of the Sunshine State Scholars experience is the sense of community that forms when students with similar interests come together.
“When we all come together with our common interests, there’s a lot more that we can get done together,” she said.
Max agrees and feels proud to represent CCPS at the state level.
“Getting to showcase my passion on the district level and represent our district at the state conference is something I am extremely proud of and happy about,” he shared.
For families in Collier and Lee Counties, their words are a reminder that STEM can be as much about collaboration and connection as it is about equations, experiments, and research projects.
Celebrating CCPS STEM success
The Sunshine State Scholars Collier County 2026 selections shine a spotlight on the STEM opportunities available within Collier County Public Schools. From advanced coursework to science fairs and leadership experiences, students like Max and Sarah are showing what is possible when talent meets support at home and at school.
If your teen is drawn to science, technology, engineering, or math, look for STEM-focused activities, clubs, and classes at their CCPS school and throughout the community. You can also explore district-wide programs and enrichment opportunities through the CCPS activities guide and related education coverage on Neapolitan Family.
Celebrating students like Max and Sarah is a meaningful way to recognize today’s achievements while encouraging tomorrow’s innovators.