Senior Spotlight: Carson Granese ’25

From the time he entered Alpha at age three, Carson Granese ’25 has called Shorecrest home. Both a Lifer and Legacy student, his journey has been marked by a deep commitment to innovation.

“Occasionally, a student comes along who not only leaves a lasting impression but also challenges you as a teacher to grow. Carson Granese is one of those students,” said Dr. Anna Baralt, Director of Technology & Media Services and Carson’s robotics mentor since fifth grade. “His unquenchable thirst to learn drives him beyond the standard curriculum.”

Carson’s transcript reflects the highest rigor across core disciplines. He excels especially in math and science, and earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, member of the Cum Laude Society, a National Merit Commended Student and a member of multiple honor societies. But it’s in STEAM where he truly shines. One of Shorecrest’s most advanced computer science students, he’s mastered C++, Java, and Python, and is earning the School’s prestigious STEAM Certificate with a focus on Computer Science.

Much of Carson’s time has been spent on an independent research project, “Overcoming Microgravity's Effects on the Lymphatic System during Long-Term Space Travel,” which began as a robotics team project in sixth grade and has since earned top awards at regional, state and national competitions. He innovated a lymphatic massage space suit astronauts can wear during long-term space travel, and is currently working through the patent process on his invention. He presented the project at the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, earned the WilmerHale Patent Application Award at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, and was named a Champion of the 2025 National STEM Festival.

Carson’s talents extend to robotics as well. A former FIRST LEGO League competitor, he has mentored and refereed for younger students, helping them discover the same excitement he has. As a Lead Programmer for Shorecrest’s VEX Robotics team he helped secure the Judges Award at the 2024 National CREATE Open. A natural leader, Carson founded and presided over the Competitive Coding Club his junior year, hosting monthly meetings and preparing members for competitions. 

Beyond Shorecrest he authored “The Cloud Simplified: A Guide for Non-Profits” to help nonprofits better use technology. At the Parc Center for Disabilities, Carson is known as a “game aficionado and conversationalist,” bringing connection and fun to participants.

As a Student Ambassador, he has guided prospective Shorecrest families and created coding activities for young children at Admissions events and at St. Pete STEAMfest. He also contributed to The Social Institute, refining social media education for teens and parents.

Carson shines on the Shorecrest Chargers baseball field. As a second and third baseman, left fielder, and designated hitter, he was part of the team that brought home Shorecrest’s first district baseball title since 2010. He even combined his tech skills with his love of the game when he designed a virtual billboard that raised over $2,000 to help under-resourced kids play ball in Cooperstown through the Florida Baseball Heaven organization.

In recognition of his many talents and character, Carson was selected by faculty for the Shorecrest Core Values Award for Knowledge. When nominating him one faculty member wrote, “He pushes his interests into academics beyond the classroom. He is frequently wondering how he could solve a problem that exists in the world, or how he could more deeply understand something that he learned in class. He is also a responsible and ambitious student that strives for the best results possible in the correct way.”

With an eye on using tech for problem-solving and a heart rooted in community, Carson leaves an indelible mark on Shorecrest. This fall Carson will bring his passion and ingenuity to the University of Texas-Austin, where he plans to study computer science.