Maryland Selects Finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Six Finalists Will Compete for National Recognition

BALTIMORE  – The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) this week announced six finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Established in 1983, PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. This year’s Maryland finalists are:

• Cherri Williams-Kennedy(Frederick High School, Frederick County Public Schools)
• Stacie Boughn(Hammond Middle School, Howard County Public Schools)
• Jeremy Carlino(Western School of Technology and Environmental Science, Baltimore County Public Schools)
• Hannah McNett (Manchester Valley High School, Carroll County Public Schools)
• Alex Kinder ( Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Prince Georges County Public Schools)
• Hemalatha Bhaskaran (James M. Bennett High School, Wicomico County Public Schools)

The award recognizes teachers that have both an in depth knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. As part of the process, each state selects finalists through a committee that includes prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district level personnel, and classroom teachers.

The National Science Foundation reviews all state finalists for national recognition. State finalists will receive a recognition plaque and a certificate in addition to a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award.

For more information on PAEMST, follow this link.