Alumni Name: Ilma Kovac
Graduation Year: 2013
Current Position: Clinical Research Associate
Ilma Kovac, a proud 2013 graduate of River City Science Academy, has built an impressive career in the field of clinical research. After graduating from RCSA, she attended the University of North Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and conducted undergraduate research in biochemistry.Following her time at UNF, Ilma began her professional journey at Mayo Clinic, starting in the liver transplant department before discovering her passion for research. She went on to serve as a clinical research coordinator on the hematology/oncology team, where she contributed to impactful cancer research studies.
Today, Ilma works as a clinical research associate at IQVIA, the world’s leading clinical research organization. Based in Jacksonville, she leads oncology trials across the East Coast of the United States, helping advance treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Outside of her professional life, Ilma enjoys traveling, hiking, going to the beach, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.
This summer, we’re excited to host more alumni gatherings to connect the Class of 2025 with fellow Rockets who are already attending the colleges they’ll soon begin. These meetups help build connections, share advice, and create a strong support system. We’ll also continue visiting and meeting with alumni—whether they’re in college or already out in the world—strengthening our growing network and celebrating the paths they’ve taken. Stay tuned for event updates!
Travis Maxwell (RCSA Class of 2014)
After graduating as part of the second-ever class in 2014, I began my academic journey at the University of North Florida. After earning my associate degree, I transferred to my dream school — the University of Kansas — where I completed a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to design utility trucks and develop manufacturing processes across several industries, including defense, rail, and construction. Currently, I work as a Design Engineer, creating custom air supply and filtration solutions that support the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors worldwide. Since the onset of COVID-19, the demand for advanced air filtration systems has grown significantly, and I’m proud to contribute to solutions that make a real difference.
On the personal side, my wife and I recently purchased a home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and we’re thrilled to be expecting our first child this October. Now, we just need an RCSA branch in Kansas City!
Best of luck to all the new graduates — and as always, Go Rockets!
Alumni Come Together for a Special Iftar Dinner
On March 22, RCSA alumni gathered at the Istanbul Center for a memorable iftar evening. The event brought together graduates from both recent years and our earliest classes—some even joined by their spouses. Staff members also had the chance to reconnect with former students in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
It was a night of delicious food, meaningful conversations, and cherished connections across generations of RCSA alumni.
Second Annual College and Career Fair Brings Opportunities and Alumni Together
On April 8, RCSA hosted its Second Annual College and Career Fair, featuring 36 incredible representatives from a wide range of trades, military branches, colleges, and careers.
We were especially proud to welcome back alumni Anastasia Kuhles (Class of 2013) and Parth Vashi (Class of 2019), who returned as guest representatives to inspire and support current students.
Thank you to all who contributed to making this event a meaningful success!
NHS Pinning Ceremony Welcomes Newest Alumni
On the evening of May 15, we proudly held the NHS Pinning Ceremony for the RCSA Class of 2025. It was a memorable night celebrating our students' academic excellence and dedication to service.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Payne for his unwavering commitment to our scholars—your guidance and support mean the world.
Congratulations to our newest NHS members and the newest additions to the RCSA Alumni family!
Celebrating the Class of 2025
On May 22, we proudly celebrated the graduation of RCSA Middle-High’s Class of 2025. It was a heartfelt evening filled with joy, pride, and memorable moments as we sent off an incredible group of seniors into their next chapter.
If you missed the ceremony or would like to relive the moment, you can watch the full recording here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/KlENo6X02hA
Congratulations again to the Class of 2025—once a Rocket, always a Rocket!
Mayor Donna Deegan Visits RCSA for Read Across America Day
River City Science Academy had the honor of welcoming Mayor Donna Deegan to campus for Read Across America Day! Several of our elementary classes enjoyed picking out a free book from the brand-new bookmobile and were gifted backpacks from the Mayor herself.
It was a joyful day celebrating the love of reading and community support.
Read Across America Kickoff at RCSA Innovation with the Jacksonville Jaguars!
We’re thrilled to share that Read Across America Week kicked off with a very special visit to RCSA Innovation!
The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Florida Lottery teamed up to bring the excitement, featuring linebacker Chad Muma, Jaxson de Ville, and members of The ROAR. They surprised our students with an exclusive reading session, fun giveaways, and a free book for each child to take home and enjoy.
It was an unforgettable day that brought the joy of reading to life!
RCSA Debate Teams Excel at FCDI State Championship!
RCSA’s Middle and High School Debate Teams competed in the FCDI State Championship in Sarasota, Florida, joining over 450 talented students from across the state.
We’re proud to share that 20 of our debaters represented RCSA with incredible determination and skill, earning top placements across multiple categories!
🏆 High School Highlights:
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Anthony Safar – 1st Place, Extemporaneous Debate (State Champion!)
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Kayton Lyon – 5th Place, Dramatic Performance
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Hiba Dahhani – 5th Place, Declamation Speaking
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Lucy White – State Semi-Finalist, Dramatic Performance
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Zoe Garner – State Semi-Finalist, Dramatic Performance
⚖ Middle School Highlights:
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Maria Ferriera – 5th Place Semi-Finalist, Lincoln Douglas Debate
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Delilah Hadley – 6th Place Semi-Finalist, Lincoln Douglas Debate
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Addy Sepega – 6th Place Semi-Finalist, Original Oratory
We’re incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, dedication, and excellent representation of RCSA.
From RCSA to Princeton – Congratulations, Hiva!
We’re excited to share that Kamand “Hiva” Mirtaleb, a senior at RCSA Middle-High, has been accepted to Princeton University!
Hiva has completed an impressive 15 dual enrollment and 10 AP courses and earned a weighted GPA of 4.81. Her dedication to academic excellence, involvement in extracurriculars, and clear sense of purpose have made her a true role model in our school community.
Way to go, Hiva—your RCSA family is proud of you!
RCSA Shines at International SeaPerch Challenge
After strong performances at regional competitions, three RCSA Middle-High teams advanced to the International SeaPerch Challenge held at the University of Maryland on May 31. We’re proud to share that Team Charybdis placed 4th overall and Team Aquarius placed 7th overall out of 181 teams in the High School Stock Class!
This incredible achievement is a reflection of our students’ dedication, teamwork, and the outstanding support from parents and coaches. Way to go, Rockets!
Dr. T Represents RCSA at the 2025 Building Hope Summit
We’re proud to share that Dr. T represented River City Science Academy as a featured panelist at the 2025 Building Hope Summit in Miami, FL.
During this national gathering of educational leaders, Dr. T. shared RCSA’s impactful efforts to support academic growth for all students and contributed valuable insights on strategies that foster student success. It was an inspiring opportunity to highlight the excellence and dedication that define RCSA on a national stage.
Mr. Plummer Named Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations to Mr. Plummer, RCSA Middle-High’s 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year! Known for his dedication, passion, and positive impact on students and staff alike, Mr. Plummer continues to inspire through both his work and his words.
Reflecting on his time at RCSA, he shared, “The best part of RCSA is the diversity—our students’ cultures, backgrounds, and experiences are what make this school great. Seeing them succeed in and beyond high school is what makes it all worth it.”
Thank you, Mr. Plummer, for all you do!