Our History and Future

The 2018-2019 school year JERFSA celebrated 25 years of of scientific and environmental excellence!

 The beginnings of JERFSA was simply a "Wouldn't it be a great idea" back in 1992, and already by August 1993 the academy started at Jupiter High School. Neal White began planning JERFSA's future in 1992 when there was virtually no other academy like it in the United States, and built it to the success it is today, one that has been held up as a model for other schools in Florida and around the country. Mr. White ran this exciting program since its inception to the end of the 2016 school year when he retired. 
Tammy DeLeonardo is our new coordinator of JERFSA, and also responsible for all Choice Programs at Jupiter High School. DeLeonardo has worked at Jupiter High School since 1995 when she took over DECA, which is an international organization for students to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills in preparation for careers in marketing, management, hospitality and finance. The next 18 years saw DeLeonardo teach a wide range of marketing classes while running DECA. She followed that up by becoming a Guidance Counselor for  three-and-a-half years, while also being involved in an official capacity in DECA on the state level. 
She won the prestigious Dwyer Award in 2012. The award was created to honor excellence in teaching, as well as reward extensive involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
DeLeonardo's goals, dreams and hopes for the future of JERFSA is "to attract and inspire the best and brightest scientific minds who are passionate about preserving and improving the environment, to protect our quality of life for the future" Tammy DeLeonardo has always thrived on challenges, and the challenge to not only maintain the current success of JERFSA, but bring it to an even higher level is one she is ready for. She tells us, "I think it is a stellar team of people, and feel privileged to be a part of it. I wake up every morning excited to come to work. This is like a dream job, and I will work to the best of my ability to perpetuate the success and purpose of this unique academy."