The Friends of the Academy of Environmental Science and Technology, Inc. (“Friends”) was established over 20 years ago to financially support the Gale Academy of Environmental Science and Technology (“Gale Academy”), a specialized academic program, at Forest Hill Community High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. Forest Hill Community High School is an 80% minority school and the Gale Academy is very dependent on outside funding to support its activities. The Gale Academy program empowers students to be the scientists with its hands-on curriculum of scientific exploration and experimentation. The curriculum includes in-class research projects, participation in the International Science and Engineering Fair, and a number field study trips throughout the year to explore and learn about South Florida’s endemic ecosystems.

The Annual Nicholas Megrath Scholarship Dinner & Awards Ceremony is the largest fundraiser that is organized by the Friends. Proceeds raised at the event will be utilized to support the educational activities of the Gale Academy by providing funds that will be used for the purchase of supplies and equipment for use in-class and in the field, and offset transportation costs for field study trips. Proceeds will also be directed to support a handful of scholarships that are awarded to seniors graduating from the Gale Academy.