An Element of Gratitude

K-State Honors the High School Heroes Behind our STEM Students

Over the past two years, the College of Arts & Sciences has come together to celebrate a vital group of educators—those who do far more than teach formulas and facts. They ignite the spark of scientific curiosity.

The Kansas State High School Science Teacher of the Year awards were first proposed in 2023 by a coalition of department heads: Christer Aakeröy (Chemistry), Pamela Kempton (then Geology), Tim Bolton (Physics), and Mark Ungerer (Biology). Recognizing the profound impact of secondary education, they envisioned a formal way to honor inspirational teachers across the state who leave an indelible mark on their students’ lives. The idea was enthusiastically embraced across the college, launching a proud new tradition.

What makes this award uniquely meaningful is that nominations come directly from K-State undergraduate students. It is the students themselves who put forward the names of the high school teachers who inspired them to pursue a STEM degree or played a pivotal role in shaping their academic trajectories.

The annual celebratory luncheon brings together the award recipients, their student nominators, and groups of current high school students for a day of recognition and exploration.

"High school science teachers are the unsung heroes of our economic and scientific future," noted Tim Bolton, Physics Department Head. "They deserve immense recognition for the hard work, late hours, and passion they devote to preparing the next generation of researchers and informed citizens."

2025 K-State Teachers of the Year

2025 Award Recipients

  • Emily Myers (Biology) – Olathe West High School

  • Kristi Roberts (Biology) – Scott Community High School

  • Dunia Harmison (Chemistry) – Riley County High School

  • Heather Daerr (Geology) – Garden Plain High School

  • Jennifer Hendrix (Physics) – Dodge City High School

K-State STEM Teachers of the Year 2026

2026 Award Recipients

  • Elizabeth Parker (Biology) – Olathe North High School

  • Mitch Oswald (Chemistry) – Atchison County High School

  • Clancy Livingston (Geology) – Manhattan High School

  • Shelley Ballard (Physics) – Valley Center High School

In addition to a $500 cash prize and an official award certificate, each honored educator received a truly one-of-a-kind trophy: a custom piece of artistic glassware, handcrafted by the Chemistry Department's renowned scientific glassblower, Jim Hodgson.

Following the luncheon, the visiting teachers and their current high school students went on a behind-the-scenes tour of K-State’s premier STEM facilities. From state-of-the-art physics labs to biological research spaces, the visitors saw firsthand the cutting-edge environments where their former students are now thriving, learning, and uncovering new discoveries.

We extend our deepest thanks to these outstanding educators for their unwavering dedication. Long before a student ever steps foot into a lecture hall at K-State, a great high school teacher has already paved the way.