5 area schools win award for programs in science education

The program recognizes science education beyond the classroom setting.

YOUNGSTOWN — Five area schools have been selected to receive the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Youth Science Opportunities.

The honors were announced by the Ohio Academy of Science in recognition of outstanding science programs in the 2006-07 school year.

The Ohio Department of Education will issue the Governor’s Award certificates.

The goal of the program is to recognize schools and teachers who stimulate student scientific research and extend science education opportunities beyond traditional classroom activities.

To qualify for the award, each school must conduct a local science fair with 20 or more children participating, send one or more of those pupils to one of the Ohio Academy of Science’s 16 district science days and involve pupils in one or more youth science opportunities beyond the classroom such as State Science Day, visits to museums, mentorship programs and extended field trips.

“Receiving a Governor’s Award for Excellence sends a clear signal that these schools and teachers value student-originated, inquiry-based science education,” said Lynn Elfner, chief executive officer for the academy.

Honorees

Local schools and teachers honored are:

St. Joseph School, Austintown: Kathleen DuBois and Sharon Nicastro.

Neal Middle School, Fowler: Susan Olive, Amy Rusnak and Bethany DelGarbino.

Hubbard High School: Dan Gill, Bob Williams, Maria Pizanias, Laura McCleery, Irene Pizanias, Tiffany Benderski and William Hart.

Byzantine Catholic Central, Youngstown: Gary A. Orosz.

St. Christine Elementary, Youngstown: Marie Viglio.