The scholarship, valued at $20,000, will help cover Walsh’s tuition at the University of Florida.
Viera High School Graduate Awarded $20,000 FPL FIRST Robotics Scholarship
The Viera High School graduate received a surprise visit from FPL with a $20,000 FIRST Robotics scholarship toward his future education at the University of Florida.
Viera High School graduate Samantha Walsh has been interested in robotics for 10 years and was surprised to learn that her efforts had paid off when she recently won a $20,000 scholarship from the Florida Power Authority’s FIRST Robotics program.
Each year, FPL awards a FIRST Robotics scholarship to one Florida student interested in a career in engineering or information management. According to Margarita Munoz, account executive for FPL, the student must have participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition programs in FPL’s service area for at least two years.
Walsh, who learned of her award when FPL officials came to her home (her parents knew in advance), fully meets the qualifications for the award.
“I’m so surprised and grateful to have been selected for this scholarship,” said Walsh, who will be entering the University of Florida as a freshman this fall.
“I was primarily focused on the business side of the team, but I also dabbled in programming and electrical engineering, learning how to use tools and make things. Besides robotics, I also took programming classes throughout high school, which really helped me develop a love for computer science.”
Walsh participated in FIRST from the second grade until he graduated from high school, but he said he also studied technology and engineering outside of the program.
In college, she hopes to participate in research projects and eventually do an engineering-related internship, continue learning Spanish, and eventually study abroad.
“Receiving this scholarship means I have the opportunity to attend the university of my choice and pursue something that really interests me,” said Walsh, who received flowers, balloons and UF swag along with the customary “big check.”
“All the hard work I’ve put in and the support I’ve received from so many amazing people has been truly worth it.”
Finch Walker is an education reporter for Florida Today. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. @_Finch Walker.
