VERO BEACH, FL (February 4, 2026) - The 2026 Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair (IRRSEF) brought together 489 of the region’s brightest young minds on January 24, 2026 at Storm Grove Middle School, representing 19 public schools, two charter schools, three private schools, and homeschool programs. From kindergarten through high school, students demonstrated ingenuity, critical thinking, and scientific skill, with 98 volunteer judges supporting the event.
“IRRSEF is a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and the next generation of problem solvers,” said Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of Schools. “We are proud of every student who participated and inspired by those who are advancing to state and international competitions, representing the School District of Indian River County and our community on the global stage. “
Award ceremonies recognized secondary students (grades 6–12) on January 27 and elementary students (grades K–5) on January 28. Twenty student projects earned bids to the State Science Fair in Lakeland this March, while Vero Beach High School senior Gianna D’Elia will compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix this May.
Students were celebrated across a wide range of disciplines, including Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Robotics, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Behavioral & Social Sciences. Notable winners include:
Elementary Best of Show:
• K–2 Division: Josie Rodriguez & Brynlee Leopold, Vero Beach Elementary School
• 3–5 Student-Led: Jack Bolton, Liberty Magnet School
• 3–5 Teacher-Led: Daniel Cruz & Chardonnel Williams, Osceola Magnet School
Secondary Best of Show:
• Senior Division: Gianna D’Elia, Vero Beach High School
Additional Secondary Category Winners:
• Animal Sciences: Luca D’Elia, Osceola Magnet School
• Behavioral & Social Sciences: Claire Jean Gilles, Rosewood Magnet School; Elaina Turner, Vero Beach High School
• Cellular/Molecular Biology & Biochemistry: Casey Watkins, Gifford Middle School; Aniela Kelly, Vero Beach High School
• Chemistry: Evelyn Johnston, Sebastian River Middle School
• Earth & Environmental Sciences: Ryden Sanford, Vero Beach High School
• Environmental Engineering: Kate Webster, Gifford Middle School
• Intelligent Machines, Robotics & Systems Software: Avi Johnson, Vero Beach High School
• Microbiology: Phoebe Forbes, Osceola Magnet School; Gianna D’Elia, Vero Beach High School
• Physics & Astronomy: Wyatt DiBiasio, Sebastian River Middle School
• Plant Sciences: Hunter Swenson, Vero Beach High School
Top-performing students also earned local and national recognition, including Florida Institute of Technology scholarships totaling $696,000 and awards from Intel, NASA, the American Association of University Women, and the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
IRRSEF exemplifies the district’s commitment to Academic Success, Innovation, and Student Engagement, cultivating young scientists and engineers who are prepared to compete and excel on state, national, and international stages.
This is more than a story. This is a movement.
Together, we are Connected by Community.
Together, we are MySDIRC.
For updates and announcements, visit https://www.indianriverschools.org/ or follow us on Facebook at School District of Indian River County and Dr. David K. Moore, and on Instagram @MySDIRC.