Science master

PANAMA CITY BEACH — It’s a great thrill to be recognized nationally for scientific research, but even more thrilling when family, teachers and local news teams show up at school to celebrate the honor.

Lillian Mefford was in her third period class at Arnold High School on Tuesday when her mother, grandfather and other supporters showed up with a floral bouquet and balloons reading “Congrats.”

On Monday, Mefford found out she was recognized as one of Broadcom MASTERS’s top 30 young scientists in the United States. Broadcom MASTERS is a national science competition for American middle school students.

“I was really excited when I found out I had been selected,” Mefford said. “It’s really cool because this is my first year actually competing with everyone. It’s cool I made it this far.”

Mefford’s journey to the top began when she entered her research project regarding the relationship between turtle grass and water quality in Grand Lagoon and in parts of St. Andrews Bay into the eighth-grade science fair at Surfside Middle School, where she won first place. She went on to win first place at a regional competition, and fourth place at a state competition. After her successes, Mefford said she filled out a Broadcom MASTERS application.

Before the Arnold freshman was ranked in the top 30, she was listed among the top 300 students in the U.S recognized for their science projects. The top 300 students came from 224 middle schools in 35 states. Five-thousand students were nominated for a spot in the top 300, and there were 2,537 applicants.

Mefford’s eighth-grade science teacher, Jay Buddi, was in attendance for the quick celebration. He wished her luck, and said he was proud of her accomplishments.

“We got her a mentor at Gulf Coast State Community College named Linda Fitzhugh. She just took Lillian under her wing. I’m so very proud of her, as she continues through this competition. It’s an honor to help her a little bit,” Buddi said. “She wanted to work outdoors in the environment. We discussed possibilities, and discussed her studying sea grass.”

Mefford dedicated her time to the project, and even missed a fun event at school so she could complete the project.

“I worked up to the project deadline because I measured 2,000 turtle grass blades,” she said. “Science is one of my favorite subjects. I like science that deals with the environment. I like fish and knew they depended on the sea grass as their habitats.”

Mefford is focused, driven and is not only great at science, but in all aspects of school, said her mother, Jennifer Lowe.

“She’s amazing. She’s always been into school, in general,” said Lowe. “She’s very much an overachiever.”

Mefford’s grandfather agrees with Lowe.

“She’s a good kid. She takes her school work seriously,” Ray East said. “It makes you proud.”

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From the Newsroom podcast