Fiona Gale spends her free time volunteering at the Cape May County Wetlands Institute to learn more about coastal ecosystems
Cape May Court House, NJ – Fiona Gale, a senior at Middle Township High School (MTHS), joins the Class of 2025’s Governor’s STEM Scholars. The statewide program honors high-achieving high school and college students committed to being a part of New Jersey’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) economy. The Class of 2025 is comprised of 111 scholars from 21 New Jersey counties.
The scholars will participate in a research/engineering design project, led by undergraduate and graduate-level scholars, that advances the work of New Jersey’s research community; tour New Jersey STEM facilities and laboratories; and network with STEM professionals. The project she is currently working on is focused on researching the different variables that are affected by air pollution in specific areas of New Jersey.
“This is a remarkable achievement not only for Fiona, but for the Middle Township family,” said Middle Township Public Schools (MTPS) Superintendent Dr. Dave Salvo. “It reflects her dedication, curiosity, and passion for STEM, as well as the support of our educators and school community.”
Gale, 18, was chosen for her commitment to and exceptional work in STEM. She volunteers frequently at the Wetlands Insititute, a local, nonprofit organization that protects and studies wetlands and coastal ecosystems, educating visitors about the salt marsh and ocean animals. Gale is passionate about protecting the environment and wants to study Environmental Engineering in college.
“I believe that it is important to get volunteer experience outside of school to get exposed to different sides of the community,” said Gale. “I volunteer at the Wetlands Institute and I have loved every minute of it. It has helped me in deciding what I want to study in college and make connections in the field.”
Gale is a member of MTHS’s Math League, which won the County Championship in 2024. She is president of the MTHS National Honor Society and the Interact Club, a peer tutor for chemistry, a Student Ambassador, and treasurer of the Key Club and Future Educators of America Club. She also participates in the AtlantiCare Youth Advisory Board.
Gale is an athlete, too, and plays on the MTHS Varsity Tennis, Varsity Swimming, and Varsity Track and Field teams. She has been the captain of the tennis and track and field team for two years.
“Getting involved in high school can provide you with so many unique experiences,” said Gale. “I’ve met so many amazing people in various sports and clubs. Coming from a small middle school, the jump to a big high school seemed daunting. However, after joining a bunch of clubs and participating in sports I have met some of my best friends, this definitely made the transition easier.”
“We are fortunate to have such passionate and committed students here at Middle,” said MTHS principal Dr. Sharon Rementer. “This is such a well-deserved recognition for Fiona, between her actively contributing through participation in school organizations and her engagement outside of school, combined with her dedication to STEM and education, we are certainly panther proud!”
The Governor’s Stem Scholar program is the result of a public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and private research companies. The program hopes to retain future STEM professionals in the state.
To view the full list of New Jersey Governor’s STEM Scholars, go to www.govstemscholars.com/scholars.