Stark County Education News: SS. Philip & James Catholic School was one of 40 Ohio schools, and the only school in Stark County, to receive the Governor's Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education

 

40 OHIO SCHOOLS AND 436 TEACHERS RECEIVE GOVERNOR'S THOMAS EDISON
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STEM EDUCATION

SS. Philip & James Catholic School, in Canal Fulton, was one of 40 Ohio schools, and the only school in Stark County, to receive the Governor's Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education.
Dublin, OH (September 4 2024) . . . The Ohio Academy of Science today selected 40 Ohio
schools and 436 teachers to receive The Governor's Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in
STEM Education and Student Research for their accomplishments during the 2023-2024 school
year. Each school will receive a special Governor's Award certificate, and each teacher will
receive a complementary membership to The Ohio Academy of Science. The Office of
Technology Investments, The Ohio Department of Development funded the program.

The criteria for the Thomas Edison Award for Excellence are: (1) Conduct a local science
fair with 12 or more students and have two or more of these students participate in the District
Science Day or have 6 or more students participate in the District Science Day when no local has
been conducted, (2) Students must participate in at least one more youth science opportunity
beyond the classroom. The Ohio Academy of Science defines STEM education as both the
mastery and integration of science technology, engineering, and mathematics for all PK-12
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 Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards 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.”, said Michael E. Woytek, the Academy’s Executive Director. Woytek went on to say,
“the students are learning and gaining confidence by solving complex problems through inquiry
and technological design.”

The Ohio Academy of Science initiated this educational partnership program in
cooperation with The Office of Technology Investments, The Ohio Department of
Development to recognize schools and teachers for excellence in STEM education and scientific
student research.

“Today’s young scientists are the architects of tomorrow’s promising economic
landscape, and we are so grateful for the invaluable role these schools and teachers play in
supporting their pursuit of knowledge,” said 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.”

About The Ohio Academy of Science Founded in 1891, The Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) is a membership-based, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization. The Academy is the leading organization in Ohio to foster curiosity, discovery, innovation, and problem-solving skills. OAS members are as diverse as the science taking place in Ohio, and OAS programs support STEM research among among pre-college and college students through the professional scientific community.
For more information about the OAS, please visit its website at http://www.ohiosci.org.