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Three Rachel Patterson Elementary Students were inducted into the 2023-24 class of the National STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) Honor Society today.

The three students – Paisley Dorriety, Gabrianna Foster and Kamden Turner – join the school chapter, which is comprised of 19 others.

The NSHS motto is to inspire innovation and recognize student excellence in kindergarten to career in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. The National STEM Honor Society was founded in response to the growing demand for innovative STEM education, to help fill this gap, providing students from a very young age with opportunities to develop their passion for STEM disciplines, and inspiring them to pursue these subjects as careers and as lifelong interests, according to the NSHS website. NSTEM chapters are school-based organizations that enrich the educational experience of all student Chapter members.

The requirements to be inducted for STEM include having a 3.0 grade point average, have good behavior and be a model citizen in the classroom and school.

Guest Speaker Escambia County School System Technology Specialist Albert Grassia encouraged the students to believe in the power of STEM, just as he does.

“You see, STEM isn’t just about equations and experiments; it’s about innovation, discovery and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” Grassia said. “Now, I want to share with you a little secret – some of the most brilliant minds in history were once just like you, sitting in classrooms, dreaming of changing the world. Take Marie Curie, for example. She was a trailblazer in the field of chemistry and physics, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Her curiosity and dedication to her work inspire us all to pursue our passions fearlessly.”

Grassia also spoke about the contributions of Elon Musk.

“He is a visionary entrepreneur and engineer known for his work in the fields of space exploration, electric vehicles and renewable energy,” he said. “Musk co-founded SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company, with the goal of making space travel more accessible and sustainable. He is also the CEO of Tesla Inc., a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company, and has played a key role in advancing technologies such as electric cars, solar power and battery storage. Musk’s ambitious projects and innovative ideas have made him a prominent figure in the STEM community, inspiring others to dream big and pursue groundbreaking advancements in science and technology.”
Additionally, Grassia said Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to travel in space.

“As an astronaut, physician and engineer, she shattered stereotypes and proved that diversity is essential in the world of STEM,” he said. “Jemison’s journey to the stars teaches us that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is too great to overcome with hard work and perseverance.”

Grassia encouraged the students to stay curious, be bold and above all, be passionate about making a difference.

“Whether you’re dreaming of building robots, exploring distant planets or curing diseases, know that the future is yours to shape,” he said. “Together, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators to reach for the stars and beyond. So let’s roll up our sleeves, embrace the challenges ahead, and let our imaginations soar.”

RPES students Brayleigh Staples, Jah’Liyah Dawson, Aaliyah Patè and LaRoyia Turner lit the candles of scholarship, service, character and leadership, respectively, before the NSHS pledge, pinning and presentation of certificates were held. Each STEM inductee received a pin, certificate and a tassel.
RPES Principal Toya McMillian echoed congratulations to the STEM inductees, and thanked the parents and special guests for attending.

Dorriety, Foster and Turner join the school chapter, which includes Lae’lyn Bogan, Ryla Crayton, Jah’Liyah Dawson, Janelle Frye, Lela Gaines, Shabralei Hands, Fettler Harris, Treyson House, Saveion Johnson, Lilly-Kate O’Brien, Jaymes Carter Overstreet, Aaliyah Patè, Arlaysia Pete, Arynn Pete, Brayleigh Staples, LaRoyia Turner, Tamarian Webb, Melanie Williams and La’Tia Wright.