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Sixteen Rachel Patterson Elementary Students were inducted into the 2022-23 class of the National STEM Honor Society today.

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.

Those RPES students inducted into the NSHS included Terry Allen, Ryla Crayton, Janell Frye, Lela Gaines, Shabralei Hands, Fettler Harris, Treyson House, Saveion Johnson, Lilly-Kate O’Brien, Carter Overstreet, Aaliyah Paté, Arynn Pete, Brayleigh Staples, Tamarian Webb, Melanie Williams and LaTia Wright.

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 Assistant Superintendent Michele Collier congratulated the new class.

“Your achievements in STEM are being honored today,” Collier said. “This is a wonderful honor that your school and community wants to shine on you.”

Collier encouraged all STEM students represented, including the 2021-22 class, to make lofty goals.

LaRoyia Turner, Jah’Liyah Dawson, Paté and Ayden Lowe lit the candles of leadership, service, character and scholarship, 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.