SAINT AMBROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL AWARDED ONE OF 77 OHIO SCHOOLS AND 1,249 TEACHERS RECEIVE GOVERNOR’S THOMAS
EDISON AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN STEM EDUCATION
For release September 23, 2026
Dublin, OH (September 23, 2026) . . .
The Ohio Academy of Science today selected 77 Ohio schools
and 1,249 teachers to receive The Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM
Education and Student Research for their accomplishments during the 2025-2026 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 Regional
Science Day or have 6 or more students participate in the Regional 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 student research, 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”, said Michael E. Woytek, the Academy’s Executive
Director. Woytek went on to say, “Science is a critical driver of economic growth by fostering
innovation, creating new industries, and generating high-skilled jobs.”
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.
“The brilliant minds in today’s classrooms are laying the groundwork for our state’s future
economic success,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “We’re
deeply grateful to the schools and educators molding these young scientists into the problem solvers and visionaries who will create a brighter tomorrow across 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 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
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE AWARDED SCHOOLS AND FACULTY.
WE ARE PROUD OF OUR 2025-2026 FACULTY AWARD WINNERS:
Maria Grama
Mariah Donnelly
Mark Russo
Melanie Amentini
Michelle Brousek
Michelle Cha
Michelle Dietrich
Nicole Shreve
Rachel Buttitta
Rachel Robson
Scott Verba
Stacey Gove
Susan Kautzman
Wendy Parente
Laurie Hamzik
