December 21, 2006 – Reston, VA The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2007 AIAA Foundation Educator Achievement Award.  This award is presented to seven AIAA precollege (K-12) educators who have demonstrated exemplary efforts in facilitating the continued study of mathematics, science and related technical studies among America’s youth.  The award recipients for this year are:

  • Russ Billings – Kearsley High School, Flint Mich.
  • Kareen Borders – Key Peninsula Middle School, Lakebay, Wash.
  • Lori Derf – Sol C. Johnson High School, Savannah, Ga.
  • Richard Glueck – Orono Middle School, Orono, Maine
  • Ricardo Soria – Choctawhatchee High School, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
  • Timothy Spuck – Oil City Senior High School, Oil City, Pa.
  • Nancy Tashima – Konawaena High School/Onizuka Space Center, Kona, Hawaii

  AIAA President Roger Simpson states, “AIAA is pleased to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our seven award winners.  They are truly inspiring persons, not only to their students but also to all who witness their dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. Their impact on hundreds, even thousands of students, is a positive force for developing the math, science and technology skills necessary to continue to advance the aerospace profession and our nation.”

The winners and their guests will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. They will be recognized at the Aerospace Spotlight Gala on May 15, 2007.

This award has honored 28 K-12 teachers since its inception in 1997. Past award recipients continue to be leaders in aerospace education and the award has become a premier honor in the education field.

The AIAA Foundation is the educational arm of the AIAA, the world’s forum for aerospace leadership. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and support the viability of current and future aerospace professionals by funding student programs, research opportunities, and professional contacts, and recognizing outstanding individual contributions. For more information on the AIAA Foundation Educator Achievement Award, contact Lisa Bacon at 703/264-7527 or lisab@aiaa.org.

Sharon Grace
Corporate Communications
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
703/264-7532
www.aiaa.org