3rd Annual STEM Award Night

The 3rd Annual STEM Awards Night was held at the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Braniger-Chase Auditorium on November 6th. Over 120 people were in attendance including  many leaders from education, business, government, and Flagstaff non-profits. It was a veritable “Who’s Who in Flagstaff” and we appreciate all your support and participation!

The STEM Teacher of the Year Award for 2014 is Kaci Heins, the 6th grade science educator who “Dares Mighty Things” at Northland Preparatory Academy. Kaci has a long list of professional accomplishments, including being the National winner of the Air Force Association Aerospace Educator of the Year in 2014, and a 2014 finalist in the State of Arizona Teacher of the Year.

The STEM Student of the Year is Drew Stringer, a junior at Coconino High School. Drew is the captain of the CocoNuts Robotics Team and is a natural leader who uses positive examples to lead his team. He also coaches a FIRST Lego League team and has been an invaluable asset to the success of that team. He is successful in his own right, but most importantly, helps others.

The STEM Community Leader of the Year is Doug Allan, the Director of Career and Technical Education at FUSD. Doug has been leading STEM efforts for FUSD students for 17years. Doug maintains the “Big Picture” as he has a deep understanding of the history and is tireless in promoting the vision for STEM in FUSD and Flagstaff.

For the first time, the Art of STEM awards were given to high school artists that shared their visions of STEM in three categories. The AstroSTEM Art Award went to Natasha Hall, from Northland Preparatory Academy, for her piece entitled “Galileo’s Dream”. Her piece can be seen at  Lowell Observatory during this academic year. The BioSTEM Art Award went to Antonia Perkins of Flagstaff High School for her piece entitled “Beauty in the Reaction”. This piece will be hung at TGen North. The EcoSTEM Art Award went to Jesse Stoney for her piece entitled “Twins”. Her piece can be seen at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Congratulations to all of our STEM and Art of STEM Award winners!