High school freshman receives full scholarship to FIU

Rebecca Rauch-Thane, 14, involved in numerous environmental projects

MIAMI ā€“ A South Florida high school freshman was awarded a full scholarship to Florida International University on Friday after making headlines for a recent science fair project.

Miami Beach Senior High School student Rebecca Rauch-Thane, 14, has been involved with numerous environmental science projects since she was in the fourth grade.

"It's a bit unusual to award such a scholarship to someone who isn't even finished with their freshman year of high school, but Rebecca has already proven she is an exceptional student committed to meaningful solutions to the world's problems," said Mike Heithaus, interim dean of FIU's College of Arts & Sciences. "We want to make sure she has the opportunity to stay here in South Florida, where she can make a difference."

Rauch-Thane's latest science project focused on how coconut water can test for heavy metal soil contamination in Virginia Key and Key Biscayne.

While Rauch-Thane is clearly interested in science, she said she hasn't decided her college major just yet.

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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.