Florida Tech has named Miami-area students Alexa Garofalo and Jake Martin Phillip W. Farmer Scholars for 2025. These outstanding high school graduates, starting at Florida Tech next month, have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership and dedication to their communities, making them exemplary award recipients.
Named for the late Phillip W. Farmer, the former chairman, president and chief executive officer of L3Harris Corp. and past chairman of the Florida Tech Board of Trustees, the 16-year-old Farmer Scholars program is the university’s most prestigious financial award.
All applicants must be Florida residents and high school graduates among the top 5% of their class who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and outstanding personal character. The recipients receive four-year scholarships that cover all tuition and university fees, a room in Harris Village’s Farmer Hall, and the regular university meal plan, as well as participation in Florida Tech’s summer study abroad program at Oxford University in England.
Garofalo graduated from the Academy for Innovative Education Charter School in Miami Springs and plans to pursue a major in biomedical engineering. Ranked second in her class of 43 students, she described herself as a student with patience and perseverance. She served as president of the Student Government and vice president of the National Honor Society; founded the “Interact Club,” which promotes leadership and community service; and served as class treasurer.
“You are asked your whole life, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I never had a dreamy response; I just wanted to make a difference,” Garofalo told Florida Tech about her choice of major. “I look forward to creating better solutions to medical problems and making life easier and more enjoyable for everyone.”
Garofalo was the captain of her school’s softball and basketball teams and participated in volleyball, cross-country and cheerleading. She also turned her passion for athletics into legacy by starting a softball camp for young girls. She will be joining Florida Tech’s varsity softball team upon her arrival to campus.
Malik Stewart, Garofalo’s AP Research teacher, described her as a natural leader, praising her intelligence, diligence and focus.
“Alexa is a committed student who naturally solves problems and constantly takes the initiative and perseverance to overcome obstacles,” Stewart said. “Her dedication to intellectual and personal growth is admirable.”
Martin graduated from Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami with plans to major in mechanical engineering. He discovered his passion for engineering at age 5, when his dad gifted him a go-kart. Since then, he’s immersed himself in the hands-on world of mechanics.
“That gift sparked a lifelong interest in how vehicles and machines operate,” Martin said in an email interview. “I want to develop cutting-edge, environmentally responsible vehicles—electric cars or aircrafts—that help shape a more sustainable future.”
In his application, he described himself as curious, determined and adaptable, and his teachers praised his commitment to challenging academics.
“Jake is a remarkably resilient, dedicated, committed and determined individual,” said Susan Kaplan, Martin’s Honors Algebra II and AB Calculus teacher. “His ability to handle a heavy academic workload and excel in his extracurricular commitments is commendable.”
Academics aside, Martin is also driven by his love for music. He became vice president and first trumpet of the Gulliver Prep Jazz Band. He noted that he was the first ninth-grade student to be accepted into the jazz band—a feat he accomplished through his own resourcefulness in training opportunities.
Martin also played on his school’s lacrosse team and held two engineering internships at RM Engineering and Computer Village prior to graduation. He looks forward to joining Florida Tech’s Formula SAE Motorsports team in the fall.
