SAINT AMBROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL RECEIVES THE GOVERNOR’S THOMAS EDISON AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STEM EDUCATION AND STUDENT RESEARCH!
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 complimentary 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 in 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.”
Saint Ambrose Catholic School is proud of its exemplary faculty and staff and their commitment to Next-Generation STEM education in the classroom. We congratulate all the schools and educators represented in this 2023-2024 award. Thank you to the Ohio Academy of Science for this opportunity. We are incredibly proud of our 24 faculty members named in the Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research!
Principal Lisa Cinadr exclaimed, “We are thrilled to partner with The Ohio Academy of Science in helping us provide the best in Next Generation learning. We are proud of our Saint Ambrose Catholic School teachers who work diligently and creatively to support our students in finding and developing their individual genius and strengthening and using their God-given gifts and talents. We can all be assured that our future is very bright! ”
2023-2024 Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research awardees for Saint Ambrose Catholic School:
Angelo Gasparro
Ashley Suts
Caitlin Hirsch
Cheryl Kubas
Devon McMackin
Jennifer Collins
Joyce McCarthy-Reed
Julia Kinley
Kelly Thompson
Kimberly Baga
Laurie Hamzik
Maria Grama
Mariah Wood
Mark Russo
Michelle Dietrich
Nicole Shreve
Rachel Buttitta
Rachel Robson
Rebecca Shultz
Scott Verba
Stacey Gove
Susan Kautzman
Wendy Parente
Wesleigh Stryker
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
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
The OHIO ACADEMY of SCIENCE
5930 Wilcox Place, Suite 228 • Dublin OH 43016-6804
Email: info@ohiosci.org • Website: http://www.ohiosci.org
CONTACT: Michael E. Woytek
614.389.2182
mwoytek@ohiosci.org
