In 2019, a bright young student named Joel graduated from Port St. Joe High School with big dreams and a passion for technology. Today, as a Jacksonville University graduate in electrical engineering, Joel stands as a shining example of how community investment in education can transform lives.
Joel’s journey began in elementary school, where the Education Foundation of Gulf County, supported by Duke Energy grants, provided him access to a science lab, hands-on learning experiences, and innovative technology programs. These early opportunities sparked Joel’s interest in STEM and set him on a path toward becoming the remarkable engineer he is today.
What makes Joel’s story particularly special is that he was the very first drone student at Port St. Joe High School—before the school even had an official drone program! Working alongside Duke Energy drone pilots and his mentor, science teacher Mr. Scott Lamberson, Joel developed skills that
would later become the foundation of his career.
During his high school internship at Tyndall Air Force Base, Joel’s innovative thinking led him to invent a solar charging box, demonstrating his early talent for engineering solutions. But Joel’s gifts extend beyond technology—he sang in a band throughout elementary and high school and devoted countless hours to volunteering with his church youth group, showing his commitment to serving others.
The initial investment from Duke Energy did more than just fund equipment; it catalyzed a transformation in Gulf County’s educational offerings. Nearly every Career and Technical Education program in the district began with a Duke Energy grant, which was then leveraged for additional state funding, creating a multiplier effect that benefited literacy programs and numerous other educational initiatives.
As Joel shared his inspiring story at the Legislative luncheon, his message about how the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program shaped his career trajectory resonated with everyone present. His journey from curious student to accomplished engineer demonstrates that with the right support, guidance, and opportunities, our youth can achieve remarkable things—becoming exactly the kind of people we hope our children will grow up to be.
