The Regional Winners of the Shell Science Lab Challenge Regional Competition have been announced

24 science teachers known for finding innovative ways to provide quality laboratory experiences for students

MCLEAN, Va., October 1, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Twenty-four science teachers have been named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. (Shell) and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K-12 teachers who have found innovative ways to provide quality laboratory experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a support package for the improvement of the school’s science laboratory.

“These science teachers have implemented outstanding science programs, providing high-quality laboratory experiences for their students with very few resources, often using their own funds,” said Erika Shugart, Ph.D., Executive Director at NSTA . “Now they have the opportunity to build the lab of their dreams. We congratulate all regional winners for their creativity, resourcefulness and dedication to their students.”

To enter the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, K–12 science teachers located in select school districts near Shell assets were asked to describe their school’s current lab resources, explain why support is needed for lab improvement, and describe their approach to science education instruction using them. the school’s current laboratory facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries. The elementary level regional winners each receive a $15,000 school science lab renovation support package, and the middle and high school level regional winners each receive a $20,000 school science lab makeover support package.

Regional winners now advance to the national stage of the competition, where they will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 in support to attend an upcoming NSTA National Conference. All national winners will be honored during a special evening celebration during the conference.

Regional Winners of the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge

The Carson estate

• Elementary level: Jackie Nguyen, Escalona Elementary School, LaMiraga, California

• Middle level: Oscar Espinoza, Ross Academy of Creative and Media Arts School, Artesia, California

• High school level: Jose Rivas, Lennox Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Lennox, California

Deer Park Estate

• Elementary level: Yelitza Cienfuegos, Bayshore Elementary School, LaPorte, Texas

• Middle level: Alyssa Ruffin, LaPorte Junior High School LaPorte, Texas

• High school level: Cathleen Baxter Swindle, Pasadena Memorial Senior School, Pasadena, Texas

The story continues

Asset Geismar

• Elementary level: Sheila Bryant, Park Forest Elementary Creative Sciences and Arts Magnet School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

• Middle level: Tyler Colson, Eva Legard for the School of Coastal and Environmental Studies, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

• High school level: Kristy Cambre, Lutcher High School, Lutcher, Louisiana

Houston’s fortune

• Elementary Level: Arianna Martinez Moody, Harvey Brown Elementary School, Houston, Texas

• Middle level: Rebecca McNair, Maybelline Carpenter School, Houston, Texas

• High school level: Jamie Flint, Spring Woods High School, Houston, Texas

The wealth of Monaco

• Elementary Level: Nicole Darroch, Ridge Academy, Corapolis, Pennsylvania

• Middle level: Cay Kovach, Brownsville Area High School, Brownsville, Pennsylvania

• High school level: Kathy Jo Sagwitz, Valley Junior/Senior School, New Kensington, Pennsylvania

The Fortune of New Orleans

• Elementary Level: Nechelle Williams, Iberville Math, Academy of Eastern Arts and Sciences, Saint Gabriel, Louisiana

• High school level: Nicholas Bijou, Sarah T. Reed High School, New Orleans, Louisiana

• High school level: Sasha Kreinik, Delores Taylor Arthur School for Youth, New Orleans, Louisiana

Norco Asset

• Elementary Level: Taylor Boudreaux, Lakewood Elementary School, Luling, Louisiana

• Middle level: Nadine Stewart, East St. John Preparatory Academy, LaPlace, Louisiana

• High school level: Dennis Pevey, Ponchatoula High School, Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Port Allen Estate

• Elementary Level: Mari Webre, Caneview K-8 School, Port Allen, Louisiana

• Middle level: Nikita LaCour, Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

• High school level: Jennifer Bollich, STEM Magnet Academy of Pointe Coupee, Morganza, Louisiana

For more information about the Challenge, visit the competition website at https://www.nsta.org/shell-science-lab-regional-challenge.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 educators and science professionals dedicated to best practices in science teaching and its impact on student learning. NSTA provides high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators can grow professionally and excel in their careers. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community provides the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues nationally, connect with leading mentors and researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA at XFacebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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contacts

Kate Falk, NSTA
(703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org