Each year, the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (SMT Center) offers awards that recognize students, educators, and organizations whose extraordinary contributions to science, mathematics, and technology education in North Carolina are helping to advance the mission of the SMT Center. The SMT center promotes and supports innovation in science, mathematics, and technology learning. The center focuses on the state’s elementary and secondary schools while working to provide all children in North Carolina with the necessary knowledge and skills to have successful careers, and advance the economy of North Carolina.
This past Saturday evening I had the great privilege to attend this award celebration where this year’s awards were received by students who have participated in various science and mathematics competitions, and educators along with organizations who are furthering the cause of high quality science and mathematics education in North Carolina. A memorable quote from the night came from Dr. Sam Houston, President and CEO of the SMT Center who said, “so many times people hear the acronym STEM and think Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It’s important to reevaluate STEM and think of it more in terms of Strategies That Engage the Mind.” I felt this quote really captured what STEM education is all about. It’s about curriculum that not only educates a student about a certain discipline but also serendipitously teaches the skills needed in order to become successful in a global economy such as problem solving, creativity/innovation, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Winners of the night included the Kennon Fellows Program for Curriculum and Leadership Development, Novozymes North America, Inc, Bernard Argheire (Public Schools in Western North Carolina), Manley Midgett (Director of Science Olympiad), Constance Cheston (Pitt County Schools), Catherine Horne (Wake County Schools), Alex Revelle (student at Durham School of the Arts), Beverly Owens ( Crest Middle School, Shelby, NC), and Tamica Stubbs (Waddell High School, Charlotte, NC) .It was truly an honor to be around such passionate educators and incredibly bright students that showcase the talent and expertise that North Carolina encompasses.
For more information about the SMT Center and the recipient of the SMT awards, their website is www.ncsmt.org.