- April 8, 2025
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Four teams of students, all from Flagler Palm Coast High School, competed in the 2025 MedNexus Innovation Challenge on April 3 at the Palm Coast Community Center.
The competition was presented by the University of North Florida, AdventHealth, the City of Palm Coast and Flagler Schools.
This year's theme was, "Becoming a Mental Health influencer," with the students exploring how social media can be used for positive change in adolescent mental health.
Each team had a UNF professor as a mentor. The students showcased their projects before a panel of judges offering social media campaigns and peer-to-peer initiatives aimed at improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and promoting wellness among teens.
The team of Academic Athletes Unite — Natalie Patel-Holmes, Joy Prime, Makaylla Williams and Alessandra Caballero, mentored by Dr. Rachel Achorn — won first place with each team member earning a $1,000 scholarship.
Team Inner Peace — Brosna Seth, Meliyah Lumpkins, Eryka Damas and Hannah Melton, mentored by Dr. Cristy Cummings — was awarded second place with each member receiving a $750 scholarship.
The other teams were Aida Moghanaki, Prem Prakash Patel, Madison St. George and Antonia Perez, mentored by Professor Stephanie Hooper; and Liliana Rosa, Kacie Jones and Persia Hughes, mentored by Dr. Martin Luytjes.
“The level of creativity and problem-solving displayed by these students is truly inspiring," Palm Coast Acting City Manager Lauren Johnson said in a city press release. "The MedNexus Innovation Challenge provides a platform for young innovators to explore groundbreaking solutions that could shape the future of healthcare.”
Dr. Julie Merten, associate dean of UNF MedNexus, said, "We are so grateful to Palm Coast for their vital partnership in fostering innovation and community engagement in healthcare. The success of this evening highlights the incredible potential of our students to drive meaningful change in the industry."
AdventHealth Communications Manager Michelle Bartlome noted that the MedNexus Innovation Challenge empowers area high school students to investigate healthcare solutions.
"We are excited to see their ideas come to life and witness how their passion for innovation can positively influence the world of health,” she said.
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