Catholic Central teachers receive STEM award

DUBLIN -- The Ohio Academy of Science selected 40 schools and 436 teachers from Ohio to receive the Governor's Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research for their accomplishments during the 2023-24 school year.

This year, Catholic Central High School was among the recipients. Each school received a special Governor's Award certificate, and each teacher, a complementary membership to the Ohio Academy of Science.

Teachers earning the distinction from CCHS were Meghan Marshall and Tiffany Dobson.

Funding the program were the Office of Technology Investments and the Ohio Department of Development.

The criteria for the award included conducting a local science fair with 12 or more students. At least two students must have participated in a District Science Day or at least six students must have participated in the District Science Day when no local has been conducted.

The second criteria was for students to have taken part in at least one youth science opportunity beyond the classroom.

The Ohio Academy of Science defines STEM education as the mastery and integration of science technology, engineering and mathematics for all preschool through 12th-grade students. It incorporates scientific inquiry and technological design through student-focused, project-based curricula to develop skills of communication, teamwork/collaboration, creativity/innovation, critical thinking and problem solving.

First established in 1985, the award recognizes Ohio schools and teachers who stimulate scientific student research and technological design and extend experiential opportunities beyond traditional classroom activities.

"We are proud to honor these schools and teachers for preparing students for the future through application-based learning," stated Michael Woytek, the academy's executive director. "The students are learning and gaining confidence by solving complex problems through inquiry and technological design."

"Today's young scientists are the architects of tomorrow's promising economic landscape, and we are grateful for the invaluable role these schools and teachers play in supporting their pursuit of knowledge," noted Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development.

"Through their dedication to STEM education, these educators are empowering students to become the relentless innovators who will build a better future for Ohio," Mihalik added.