R.J. Murray Middle School Unveils Innovative STEM Classroom Makeover with an Outdoor Greenhouse
Some students at R.J. Murray Middle School did not recognize their own classroom when they walked through the doors on Friday.
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) joined the INK!, the St. Johns Education Foundation, and the St. Johns County School District to celebrate the completion of the STEM Classroom Makeover at R.J. Murray Middle School in St. Augustine.
Inside the New STEM Lab at R.J. Murray Middle School
The $50,000 grant from FPL allowed R.J. Murray to incorporate cutting-edge technology, including a brand-new STEM lab which includes new 3D printers, laptops, mathematics equipment and an outdoor greenhouse. The redesigned classroom now boasts new STEM technology to help enhance student engagement and foster creativity.
“We are incredibly grateful to Florida Power & Light for choosing R.J. Murray Middle School as a recipient for this grant and providing us with this amazing opportunity,” said Dr. Esther Seward, Principal. “This grant has completely transformed our classroom into an instructional space where students can really dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education. From 3D printing projects to hands-on math experiments and even growing plants in our new greenhouse, our students are excited to come to school and explore every day. It’s inspiring to see their curiosity and imagination come to life, and we can’t wait to see what they create next!”
Celebrating Community Investment in Student Success
To mark this significant milestone, the partners hosted a ceremony at R.J. Murray Middle School to showcase the transformed classroom and witness the positive impact of education in the lives of local students.
“We firmly believe in the power of education and the difference it can make in the lives of our youth,” said Kate Cotner, Director of Community Engagement for FPL. “We are thrilled to help create a dynamic learning atmosphere for the students of R.J. Murray Middle School. This classroom transformation represents our ongoing commitment to support education and provide students with the tools they need to thrive.”
“We deeply appreciate Florida Power & Light’s commitment to advancing STEM education and providing meaningful opportunities for our students to explore, create and discover new possibilities in STEM,” said Cathy Newman, Executive Director of Investing In Kids (INK!). “Partnering with Mr. Matthews to turn his classroom into a space designed to spark imagination, inquiry, and learning every day has been truly rewarding.”
Apply for the Florida Power & Light STEM Classroom Makeover Grant
FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program, now in its fourth year, provides $50,000 grants for eligible Florida schools to provide transformational learning opportunities in economically disadvantaged K-12 classrooms. Funds are available to address needs in technology or resources that will advance STEM curricula, exposure and careers to diverse students in a classroom setting.
Applications for FPL’s STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2025-26 school year are now open and close on Nov. 21! To apply, please visit www.FPL.com/Education.
