- May 1, 2026
MedNexus Innovation Challenge winning team, ConnectHer — Addison Landers, Kaitlyn Ebding, Hannah Seifert and Caleb Shamblin — with judges Teresa Rizzo, Mike McGlothlin, Theresa Pontieri and John Phillips. Courtesy photo/City of Palm Coast.
Second-place team CADI: Georgiann Ryman, Rocio Ramirez, Ariana Rosales and Daniel Gnatyuk, with mentor, Professor Stephanie Hooper. Courtesy photo/City of Palm Coast
Team ConnectHer mentor Dr. Rachel Riggs-Achorn (with microphone) and team members Addison Landers, Caleb Shamblin, Kaitlyn Ebding and Hannah Seifert. Courtesy photo/City of Palm Coast
Four Flagler Palm Coast High School teams competed in the UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge on Thursday, April 30, at the Palm Coast Community Center.
Now in its fifth year, the competition brings together four-person high school teams to provide practical solutions to health care challenges.
This year's theme was “Loneliness in a Connected World.” The students examined the problem of persistent social isolation despite constant digital connection. They were challenged to develop strategies that support mental, emotional and community well-being. Over the past several weeks, the students worked closely with University of North Florida faculty mentors to refine their ideas into impactful solutions.
Each team presented its proposals before a panel of judges that included Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin, Flagler County Education Foundation Executive Director Theresa Rizzo and Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce President John Phillips.
Team ConnectHer — consisting of Caleb Shamblin, Hannah Seifert, Addison Landers and Kaitlyn Ebding, and mentored by Dr. Rachel Riggs-Achorn — won first place with each student receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
Team CADI placed second with each student receiving a $750 scholarship. The team members were Georgiann Ryman, Daniel Gnatyuk, Rocio Ramirez and Ariana Rosales. Professor Stephanie Hooper was the team's mentor.
The other teams were Team Solace, which included Tessa Stewart, Arianna Hall, Marthena Cubero, and Madison Gill with Dr. Martin Luytjes the team mentor; and Team One Chance, which included Melody Perez, Giselle Espinal, Sultana Campbell and Colin Withrow and mentored by Dr. Cristy Cummings.
The teams were evaluated on innovation, potential community impact, feasibility, presentation quality, professionalism and their responses during a live Q&A session.
“What stood out was not just the creativity, but the practicality of these ideas,” McGlothlin said. “These students approached a complex, real-world issue with maturity and a clear focus on helping others. It’s exciting to see this level of talent and to know the future of healthcare innovation is in such capable hands.”
The event was hosted by UNF MedNexus, Blackstone LaunchPad, Flagler Schools, the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Flagler Ed Foundation.
