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and the Sarasota County Agricultural Fair Association to present the fair each year. Students participate by completing research in science, engineering, math or technology, using the scientiļ¬c or engineering method, and then submit their projects for judging at Robarts Arena in late January, the release adds. The Education Foundation underwrites the regional fair, the county's participation in international competition "and cash prizes provided through the generosity of commu- nity sponsors," the release says. The Intel ISEF has been called the "Olympics, the World Cup, and the World Series of science competitions," the release points out. Now in its 63rd year, "the Intel ISEF is the world's largest pre-college science competition and the only science project competition for stu- dents in grades 9-12," it notes. The Intel ISEF brings together students, teachers, corporate executives and government officials from around the world. This year, more than 1,600 students from 70 countries will compete for more than $4 million in scholarships, tuition grants, scientific equipment and scientific trips, the release continues. Local sponsors support the Regional Science Fair at various levels. Leading sponsors are the Dart Foundation and The Faulhaber Foundation, the release says. The Faulhaber Foundation Prize for the Scientific Exploration of Nature will be awarded to two students for their accom- plishments. The Dart Foundation Award for Medicine & Health, the Dart Foundation Inspiration Award and two Omar Y. Cooper Student Achievement Awards will also be presented at the annual awards celebration scheduled for April 10. On Feb. 3, Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart presented Barbara Shirley, prin- cipal of Alta Vista Elementary School, with the 2013-14 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership, the State Department of Education has announced. Jeannie Inagawa, assistant principal at Cracker Trail Elementary School in the Highlands County School District, received the 2013-2014 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award. "Principals and assistant principals are the unsung heroes of our education system," said Stewart. "School leaders set the tone and determine the school's path to success. Dr. Shirley and Ms. Inagawa both display extraordinary leadership and dedication to their students, teachers and parents. They both truly deserve this honor." In recognition of her honor Shirley received from Disney Youth Programs an exclusive overnight stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite inside the Magic Kingdom Park along with theme park admission for her and her guests, a news release says. She will also receive a cash prize of $5,000. Three state finalists were chosen by the Department of Education from district nominees, the release notes. The princi- pals and assistant principals were selected "because of their ability to foster cultures that increase student performance, promote safe learning environments, and establish partnerships with parents and community members," it adds. The ceremony this week in Orlando closed out the ninth annual Commissioner's Summit for Principals, which brings together outstand- ing school leaders to share best practices and receive recognition for their accomplish- ments, the release says. SHIRLEY WINS 2013-14 PRINCIPAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Sarasota News Leader February 7, 2014 Page 77