On October 17, 2012, The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Gulf Coast Chapter recognized 37 teachers from Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties for their efforts in motivating our local school children in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Over the last 6 years, the NDIA Gulf Coast Chapter’s ACCELerator Grant program, has awarded nearly $190,000 in $1,000 grants to local teachers and non-profit organizations for innovative and creative projects designed to stimulate interest in Science, Engineering, Technology and Math. This year grants were awarded to teachers for projects at public and private schools for students from 1st to 12th grades. One of the many highlights of the evening was the participation of OPUS ONE, the elite choruses from Niceville High School, under the direction of Mr. Mike Dye singing a special tribute to the teachers “Lift Me Up.”