PEARCY -- Brian Leonard, Lake Hamilton High School mathematics teacher, was selected by President Barack Obama as one of 108 teachers to receive the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
This year's awardees represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools. The educators will receive their awards at an event later this summer in Washington, D.C.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. Winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level, according to a news release.
The awards alternate each year between teachers of K-6 and those in grades 7-12. Leonard's group includes teachers for grades 7-12.
Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They are invited to attend educational and celebratory events and visit with members of the administration.
"These teachers are shaping America's success through their passion for math and science," Obama said in the release. "Their leadership and commitment empower our children to think critically and creatively about science, technology, engineering, and math. The work these teachers are doing in our classrooms today will help ensure that America stays on the cutting edge tomorrow."
Two educators were chosen from the state of Arkansas. Leonard will be recognized at the state level during the 2015 Arkansas Curriculum Conference along with Amanda Jones, a science teacher at Poyen High School.
"The Lake Hamilton School District would like to congratulate Mr. Brian Leonard on this outstanding achievement. Lake Hamilton is blessed to have the absolute best educators in the state of Arkansas and beyond," the school district said in a news release Thursday.
Local on 07/03/2015