Jackson Garcia, a third-grade student at Sunfield Elementary in Buda, is currently a Top-5 contender in Colossal’s America’s Favorite Student competition, according to an announcement from his family. The nationwide contest, presented by Bill Nye and benefiting The Planetary Society, offers a $20,000 educational award, a Reader’s Digest feature, and a trip to meet Bill Nye as the grand prize.
Garcia is described as a gifted student who is suspected of having ADHD and is undergoing formal evaluation. His family said that what appears to be a challenge has become his strength. “He is relentlessly curious, impossible to discourage, and excels in both science and math. Watching Bill Nye with his parents is his idea of a good time,” they said.
Garcia has garnered support from the Hays Consolidated Independent School District community to reach the Top 5 in his group. If he wins the competition, the $20,000 prize will be used for STEM camps and accelerated learning programs. His family said these opportunities are especially important as Texas public schools face funding cuts.
Voting for the Group Finals closes tomorrow night at 9 p.m., with Garcia competing for the top spot in his group to advance directly to the national quarterfinals. The competition schedule includes Group Finals from April 16th through April 23rd; Wildcard Round from April 24th through April 26th; Quarterfinals from April 27th through May 7th; Semifinals from May 8th through May 14th; Finals from May 15th through May 21st; and the Grand Prize Winner announced on or before June 5th, according to America’s Favorite Student.
Additional information about Jackson Garcia’s participation can be found on the organization’s website.
