FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tampa, Fl. (March 6, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce the top award winners from the 2026 Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair, recognizing outstanding student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Students from across the district earned Best of Fair honors for exceptional research, innovation, and scientific inquiry. In addition, several students were selected to represent Hillsborough County at the Florida State Science & Engineering Fair and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Best of Fair Winners:
Elementary Division
Grade 3 Best of Fair
Marley McCoy, Muller Elementary
Project: Protecting LEGO Drop
Grade 4 Best of Fair
Olivia Proulx, Stowers Elementary
Project: Ruff Rover
Grade 5 Best of Fair
Mason Oliver, Roland Park K‑8
Project: Plastic in the Soil: What Happens to Seeds?
Middle School Division
Best of Fair – Junior Division
Zoya Punjani & Olivia Rivas‑Madeiros, Roland Park K‑8
Project: Prevention from Salt Corrosion
High School Division
Best of Fair – Senior Division
Daniel Park, C. Leon King High School
Project: Psalmacross: A Novel Tarantula Venom‑Derived Peptide Drug Candidate for ASIC Inhibition via In Silico Design
The following students were selected to represent HCPS at the Florida State Science & Engineering Fair, with several earning advancement to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF):
Daniel Park, C. Leon King High School (ISEF Finalist)
Kohana Basu, George S. Middleton High School (ISEF Finalist)
Tanishka Aglave, Strawberry Crest High School (ISEF Finalist)
Additional state‑level representatives include students from Roland Park K‑8, Martinez Middle School, Williams IB Middle Magnet School, Middleton High School, Steinbrenner High School, Newsome High School, Hillsborough High School, and other district schools, reflecting the depth and strength of Hillsborough County’s STEM programs.
“The Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair showcases the creativity, innovation, and intellectual curiosity of our students,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “We are incredibly proud of these young scientists and engineers, as well as the teachers and families who supported their success.”
Hillsborough County Public Schools congratulates all participating students and wishes its state and international competitors continued success as they represent the district on the next stage.
Visit https://hillsboroughschools.tv/ to watch the entire STEM Fair Awards program.