2024 Don Cargill STEM Scholar Award Recipients
Congratulations!
2024 Don Cargill STEM Scholars
Thank you for joining GYSTC as we honor 27 recipients of our coveted Don Cargill STEM Scholar Award. This outstanding group of educators was chosen for their thoughtful engagement with their students which, over the last year, resulted in imaginative classroom lessons that taught and support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. As parents, employers and citizens we hope all our teachers are competent, enthusiastic and caring. Our awardees certainly meet and exceed these basic criteria. But what sets them apart and what they are being cited for in these awards are two key factors.
First, they have shown a special aptitude for identifying the unique strengths and potential of their students and have conceived and executed classroom lessons that tap that promise. They have engaged and excited their students’ capacity to learn and build confidence – not only in their ability to master STEM, but to master lessons of successful living.
Second, our recipients also launched student projects whose impact reached past the classroom to involve their entire school community, parents, colleagues, and regional leaders who are STEM professionals and supporters.
Our recipients are winners! Winners for their students. Winners for their communities. Winners for our state, and winners for the teaching profession. They exemplify everything we want and hope our teachers will be. It is our duty and delight to honor them!
Congratulations,
Amanda Buice
GYSTC Executive Director
Dr. Miranda Dozier
Atlanta Public Schools, William M. Boyd Elementary School
“STEAMing Toward Success”
Dr. Miranda Dozier has been teaching for 26 years. She currently teaches 2nd grade. Other awards include APS Most Deserving Teacher (2022-2023) and Teacher of the Year (2022-2023). Dr. Dozier was chosen for her work in the classroom challenging her students to improve the design of their school’s playground.
Award Impact
Dr. Dozier plans to immerse her students in real-world learning experiences with her project. In this project, students will build with various materials while learning how to collaborate and communicate with each other as well as explore new ideas and concepts. Students will also read books to learn about STEM careers from people who look like them. This project will give the students life skills that will enable them to change the course of not only their lives but also the lives of their families.
Mrs. Jennifer Deckard
Barrow County Schools, Center for Innovation Teaching
“3D Printing Solutions”
Mrs. Jennifer Deckard has been teaching for 12 years. She currently teaches science, engineering, and technology to 6th-8th grade students. Other awards include Westside Teacher of the Year (2019), 7-time Jackson EMC Bright Ideas Grant Winner, and the Valorie Rolader Positive Learning Award (2015, 2018). Mrs. Deckard was chosen for her work in the classroom encouraging her students to become 3D printing leaders using Tinkercad software.
Award Impact
Mrs. Deckard plans to increase her classroom’s 3D printing capacity through her project. In this project, students will learn the basics of creating, drafting, and designing in Tinkercad. After designing, students will have the opportunity to use a 3D printer to bring their creations to life. Next year, Mrs. Deckard plans to expand the project by having the students reach out to the community and take on the challenge of solving community needs, problems, and printing requests.
Mrs. Casey Collins
Bryan County Schools, Richmond Hill Middle School
“To the Moon Challenge”
Mrs. Casey Collins has been teaching for 27 years. She currently teaches 8th-grade physical science and has sponsored the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program at her school. Other recognitions include the WJCL TV Station Teacher of the Week. Mrs. Collins was chosen for her work in the classroom integrating STEM and entrepreneurial skills during a unit on electricity.
Award Impact
Mrs. Collins plans to encourage her students to shoot for the moon with her project. In this project, students will build and design a rocket to hit a specified target. Students will collaborate as researchers, engineers, and data analysts to contribute to their rocket’s success. Mrs. Collins’ project will foster teamwork, creativity, and hands-on learning, preparing students for future endeavors in STEM.
Miss Sierra Lawhorne
Calhoun County Schools, Calhoun County Middle School
“GYSTC & Teacher Created Lessons”
Miss Lawhorne has been teaching for eight years. She currently teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science and serves as the Calhoun County School System Liaison for science. Other recognitions include completion of the GYSTC STEM Teacher Academy. Miss Lawhorne was chosen for her work in the classroom connecting cooking and science.
Award Impact
Miss Lawhorne plans to provide equipment for her students through her project. In this project, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will engage in multiple hands-on lessons covering various Science Georgia Standards of Excellence. All the students will benefit by taking part in high-quality hands-on science instruction and activities that will allow them to gain authentic learning experiences in how science impacts them and the world around them.
Mrs. Meredith Stone
Carroll County Schools, Bowdon Elementary School
“Coding You Can See”
Mrs. Stone has been teaching for eight years. She currently teaches STEM to K-5th grade students, coordinates a Science Fair, and leads a STEM Night at her school. Other awards include Bowdon Elementary School Teacher of the Month (May 2023) and Winner of the GAE Spring STEM Challenge. Mrs. Stone was chosen for her work in the classroom sparking an interest in STEM through a hands-on lesson on circuitry.
Award Impact
Mrs. Stone plans to make coding concepts a reality for her students with her project. In this project, students will use the Learning Resources Botley 2.0 Coding Robots to bridge the gap between concepts and physical actions. Students will code the robots to complete complex tasks and navigate mazes and obstacles. Coding is all about imagination and "out-of-the-box" thinking, which will allow the students to be creative and write code as they see fit to accomplish the given task.
Mrs. Xaviera Kight
Carroll County Schools, Temple Elementary School
“We Need Sphero to be Our Hero!”
Mrs. Xaviera Kight has been teaching for five years. She currently teaches STEM to K-5th grade students and serves as an E3 STEM Specialist for Carroll County Schools. Other awards include Teacher of the Year (2024). Mrs. Kight was chosen for her work in the classroom bringing excitement to physical science through a STEM boat racing challenge.
Award Impact
Mrs. Kight plans to introduce students to the fundamentals of computational thinking, science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), and computer science principles through her project. In this project, students will get hands-on coding experiences by using Sphero indi robots to come up with solutions to open-ended, real-life scenarios. By promoting student choice within her lessons, Mrs. Kight’s students can be more creative, use their imagination, and become more motivated and engaged in their learning.
Mr. Juanito Redwine
Carrollton City Schools, Carrollton Junior High School
“M.A.T.T.E.R. - Mediating Activities That Teach Encourage Research”
Mr. Juanito Redwine has been teaching for 25 years. He currently teaches 7th and 8th grade science. Other awards include Teacher of the Year (Stewart Middle School, 2011) and Golden Apple Recipient (Carrollton City Schools). Mr. Redwine was chosen for his work in the classroom linking germs and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Award Impact
Mr. Redwine plans to ignite a passion for science with his project. In this project, students will conduct flame tests to investigate the chemical properties of matter. Conducting labs breaks the monotony of traditional teaching and makes science fun for students. The students will also benefit from seeing, handling, and manipulating real objects and materials providing them with opportunities to learn and experience science regardless of their future endeavors.
Ms. Leigha Burnham
Chattooga County Schools, Summerville Middle School
“Charged Up for STEM”
Ms. Leigha Burnham has been teaching for 24 years. She currently teaches Library Media and Technology, and STEM for Gifted and Talented for 6-8th grade students. Other awards include Chattooga County Schools Teacher of the Year (2024), Summerville Middle School Teacher of the Year (2023), and Northwest Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year (2014). Ms. Burnham was chosen for her work in the classroom challenging her students to design a water filtration system as part of a survival challenge.
Award Impact
Ms. Burnham plans to have her students make connections through her project. In this project, students will use Makey-Makey circuit boards to explore and create circuits. Students will complete coding challenges using programs like Scratch. These projects will be presented at the district STEM Night in the spring, where students will have an authentic audience in which to share their learning experiences.
Ms. Leigh Lindsey
Clarke County Schools, Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School
“We 4C a 3D Printer!”
Ms. Leigh Lindsey has been teaching for 15 years. She currently teaches STEM to K-5th grade students, sponsors the STEM Club, and leads a STEM Night at her school. Other awards include the Instructional Leader of the Month (April 2023) and Teacher of the Year (2017-2018). Ms. Lindsey was chosen for her work in the classroom for magnifying learning about plant and animal cells with her students.
Award Impact
Ms. Lindsey plans to bring her students’ learning to the third dimension with her project. In this project, 3rd-5th grade students will learn how to use 3D modeling software and 3D print design solutions and materials for STEM challenges and projects. With these skills, the students will be able to meet the requirements of the Georgia Standards of Excellence while learning beneficial skills for the present and the future.
Mrs. Robin Bell
Douglas County Schools, South Douglas Elementary School
“Pollinator Garden”
Mrs. Robin Bell has been teaching in her own classroom for two years now, previously she was a paraprofessional for five years. She currently teaches kindergarten. Other recognitions include National STEM Certification, Level 1 Google Certified Teacher, and Agriculture in the Classroom Winner. Mrs. Bell was chosen for her work in the classroom setting up an in-depth STEM unit about pumpkins for her students.
Award Impact
Mrs. Bell plans to take learning outdoors with her project. In this project, students will benefit from the creation of a pollinator garden. After the pollinator garden’s installation, students will be able to learn about pollinators and plants. Through these STEM lessons, students will see that STEM is not just doing work inside a classroom on a computer, but also working outside understanding and seeing how our world works.
Mrs. Staci Windham
Dublin City Schools, Susie Dasher Elementary School
“3D Dreams for STEAM”
Mrs. Staci Windham has been teaching for 11 years. She currently teaches STEAM to K-4th grade students and leads the science fair committee at her school. Other awards include the Wilkinson County Elementary School Instructional Technology Award (2017-2018). Mrs. Windham was chosen for her work in the classroom launching effective literacy-based STEM lessons.
Award Impact
Mrs. Windham plans to add technology to her lessons through her project. In this project, students will use 3D Doodle pens to bring their learning to life. Students will create parts of flowers, engineer structures, as well as focus on math concepts like geometry and measurement. These tools will spark not only their creativity but also their passion for STEM skills and careers that may interest them.
Mrs. Courtnie Downs
Forsyth County Schools, Sawnee Elementary School
“STEM Ag Program”
Mrs. Courtnie Downs has been teaching for 16 years. She currently teaches STEM to K-5th grade students, coaches the Science Olympiad team, and coordinates the Science Fair at her school. Other recognitions include the Green School Silver Award. Mrs. Downs was chosen for her work in the classroom integrating agriculture into her STEM lessons.
Award Impact
Mrs. Downs plans to enhance her STEM Farm to Table Program with her project. In this project, students will learn about where their food comes from and the science behind it. Students will participate in lessons about chickens, plants, pollinators, and soil. Agricultural STEM lessons will allow the students to make connections and learn through hands-on experiences.
Mrs. Stephanie Aseltine
Gwinnett County Schools, Simonton Elementary School
“Cross-Curriculum Robots”
Mrs. Stephanie Aseltine has been teaching for 15 years. She currently teaches STEM to 1st-5th grade students, ESOL, and coaches robotics at her school. Mrs. Aseltine was chosen for her work in the classroom encouraging her students to incorporate robotic solutions for their STEM challenges.
Award Impact
Mrs. Aseltine plans to incorporate robots as motivational tools through her project. In this project, teachers will have the opportunity to enhance their lessons by using Bee-Bots. Students will be exposed to coding through cross-curricular lessons. Mrs. Aseltine wants teachers to become more confident with the Bee-Bots and incorporate them into other areas of their curriculum to benefit the students.
Mrs. Jessica Frazer
Jackson County Schools, West Jackson Elementary School
“Blinded by the Light”
Mrs. Jessica Frazer has been teaching for eight years. She currently teaches applied arts to K-5th grade students, serves on her school’s STEAM Advisory Council, and coaches the Lego League Challenge Team. Other awards include the District Mindset Hero: We are Connected Award (2020-2021). Mrs. Frazer was chosen for her work in the classroom illuminating her students' learning with a STEAM Challenge on the behavior of light.
Award Impact
Mrs. Frazer plans to expand her light lessons reach with her project. In this project, students will ask questions, compare sources of light, and investigate how light interacts with various materials. Students will use this information to create a permanent installation that is artful while solving problems with light that they have identified around the school. This authentic learning experience allows the students to feel like true problem solvers and design thinkers.
Ms. Kathleen Venable
Jackson County Schools, West Jackson Elementary School
“The WJES Friendly Frog Bog!”
Ms. Kathleen Venable is a veteran educator of 27 years. She currently teaches STEAM to K-5th grade students and is the STEAM Coordinator/Instructional Coach/Lab Educator for her school. Other awards include WJES Teacher of the Year (2021-2022) and GaDOE STEAM Virtual Specialist (2022). Ms. Venable was chosen for her collaborative efforts to implement environmentally friendly PBLs with all K-5 homeroom classes. Using the Design Thinking Process, these PBLs include planting a seasonal garden as well as a pollinator garden, maintaining a mini-farm and nature trail, and reducing land pollution by recycling and composting.
Award Impact
Ms. Venable will partner with a 4th-grade homeroom class to investigate the resources in the outdoor environment as well as collect weather data to choose the best spot to install a Frog Bog. In addition to investigating the environmental conditions, students will learn about the life cycle and needs of frogs and toads, and the importance of wetland conservation. The Frog Bog will be available for viewing and further investigations for all students at WJES.
Miss Chloe Westhafer
Jackson County Schools, West Jackson Middle School
“Renewable Resource Racers”
Miss Chloe Westhafer has been teaching for one year. She currently teaches 6th grade Earth science, coaches the Science Olympiad Team, and serves on the Jackson County School System Curriculum Design Team. Other recognitions include Ambassador for the School of Forestry and being chosen to attend the Exxon Mobile & AGI Geoscience Teaching and Learning Academy for Middle School. Miss Westhafer was chosen for her work in the classroom engaging her students in a lesson about planetary orbits.
Award Impact
Miss Westhafer plans to have her students explore alternative energy sources through her project. In this project, students will design solar-powered model cars. Students will justify their design choices and predict how the structure of the vehicle will contribute to the effectiveness of its function. These projects will demonstrate to students the interconnectedness and usefulness of many science and engineering practices.
Mrs. Latanza Williams
Lincoln County Schools, Lincoln County Elementary School
“Expanding STEM Learning Moments”
Mrs. Latanza Williams has been teaching for 14 years. She currently teaches K–5th grade gifted students and sponsors the Drone Club at her school. Other awards include the Georgia Retired Educators Association Outstanding Educator Award (2023) and McDuffie County Teacher of the Year (2015). Mrs. Williams was chosen for her work in the classroom guiding her students through a STEM lesson exploring temperature.
Award Impact
Mrs. Williams plans to provide consumable materials for her students with her project. In this project, STEM activities and materials will be available to the entire school - not just the gifted population. The materials purchased through this grant will allow Mrs. Williams to support her plans and curriculum aligned to state standards. She believes that STEM educational moments are beneficial to all students and makes learning more authentic and meaningful.
Mrs. Jenny Heath
Madison County Schools, Colbert Elementary School
“Operation Improve the Outdoor Learning Space”
Mrs. Jenny Heath has been teaching for 10 years. She currently teaches science and agriculture to K-5th grade students. Mrs. Heath was chosen for her work in the classroom integrating poultry science across multiple grade levels.
Award Impact
Mrs. Heath plans to improve her school’s outdoor learning space with her project. In this project, the outdoor learning space will be updated with a weather station, bird feeders, and a rain barrel. Students will utilize the new equipment to collect and analyze weather data, observe, and learn about local wildlife, and water the existing garden in an environmentally friendly way. These engaging STEM experiences encourage new ideas and students asking additional questions about the world around them.
Mrs. Lynn Grizzard
Monroe County Schools, Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary School
“Buzzy Learning with Bee-Bots”
Mrs. Lynn Grizzard has been teaching for 17 years. She currently teaches first grade and leads a STEM Night at her school. Other recognitions include Staff Member of the Month (February 2023). Mrs. Grizzard was chosen for her work in the classroom incorporating the Engineering Design Process into a lesson about habitats.
Award Impact
Mrs. Grizzard plans to enhance learning across subjects with her project. In this project, students will utilize Bee-Bots across the curriculum to learn math, language arts, science, and social studies in new ways. Students will use the robots to create and follow patterns, visualize story sequencing, explore habitats through coding, and reinforce map reading skills. The Bee-Bots will promote differentiated experiences to ensure that every student can benefit from the learning.
Mrs. Heather Smith
Monroe County Schools, Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary School
“Hubbard Hatchery”
Mrs. Heather Smith has been teaching for 15 years. She currently teaches second grade. Other recognitions include STEM Fellow (2019). Mrs. Smith was chosen for her work in the classroom immersing her students in an interdisciplinary unit on Native American Sun Shelters.
Award Impact
Mrs. Smith plans to bring agriculture to her students through her project. In this project, students will incubate, hatch, and care for chickens. Students will also learn about the life cycle of a chicken, the needs of chickens, and entrepreneurial skills while selling the eggs. This endeavor will prioritize the health of the chickens, egg quality, cleanliness, and safety while also prioritizing hands-on learning experiences for the students.
Mrs. Rachel Carter
Oconee County Schools, Oconee County Elementary School
“STEM in the Library”
Mrs. Rachel Carter has been teaching for nine years. She currently teaches STEM to 3rd-5th grade students and leads a STEM Night at her school. Other recognitions include Team Leader for STEM Teachers in Oconee County. Mrs. Carter was chosen for her work in the classroom facilitating an investigation into an invasive species, the Joro spider.
Award Impact
Mrs. Carter plans to infuse STEM-related content into her school’s library with her project. In this project, teachers will have access to STEM-related literacy to use when planning STEM lessons. Students will also have access to these books to be able to learn more about the ever-growing world of STEM.
Mrs. Mary Johnson
Oconee County Schools, Rocky Branch Elementary School
“From Caterpillar to Butterfly”
Mrs. Mary Johnson has been teaching for 11 years. She currently teaches second grade and leads the Garden Club Committee at her school. Mrs. Johnson was chosen for her work in the classroom educating her students about plants and pollinators.
Award Impact
Mrs. Johnson plans to encourage collaboration in the garden with her project. In this project, students will apply what they are learning in science to help maintain a pollinator garden. Students will share information about plant and animal life cycles, soil, and the water cycle to make the space hospitable to local wildlife. This project will be showcased during a Butterfly Release Ceremony with the community in the fall.
Mrs. Ami Rivera
Oconee County Schools, Dove Creek Elementary School
“Novel Engineering: The City of Ember”
Mrs. Ami Rivera has been teaching for 17 years. She currently teaches STEM to K-5th grade students, sponsors the Technology Club, and leads a STEAM Night at her school. Other awards include Teacher of the Year (Imagine Schools, Dayton, Ohio). Mrs. Rivera was chosen for her work in the classroom engaging students in the Engineering Design Process to build a space rover.
Award Impact
Mrs. Rivera plans to implement a Novel Engineering lesson through her project. In this project, students will read the novel The City of Ember, and then complete STEM challenges associated with the novel. For example, students will build boats, create paper circuits, and engineer a pipe system. By incorporating the novel and related activities into a variety of settings, the learning will be more meaningful and provide students with opportunities to make connections across multiple disciplines.
Mrs. Lindsay Head
Paulding County Schools, Herschel Jones Middle School
“Upgrading our Learning”
Mrs. Lindsay Head has been teaching for eight years. She currently teaches engineering and technology to 6th-8th grade students and leads a STEM Committee at her school. Other recognitions include Cobb STEM Innovation Academy Graduate. Mrs. Head was chosen for her work in the classroom facilitating a Makey Makey Entertainment Device project that was accessible to all students, inclusive of students with disabilities.
Award Impact
Mrs. Head plans to expand her students' access to technology with her project. In this project, students will be introduced to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and 3D printing. Students will engage in design challenges to create key chains, spinning tops, and more. This will not only expand the range of projects the students can undertake but also enhance existing ones.
Mrs. Dwanese Dunn
Paulding County Schools, McGarity Elementary School
“Coding and Alternative Energy Sources”
Mrs. Dwanese Dunn has been teaching for 31 years. She currently teaches STEM to K-5th grade students and leads a Spooky Science Night at her school. Other recognitions include Member of the Paulding Education Foundation, STEM/Technology Teacher Team, and Lead Teacher. Mrs. Dunn was chosen for her work in the classroom weaving agricultural standards into her STEM lessons about plants.
Award Impact
Mrs. Dunn plans to expand her students' access to technology through her project. At a school with a STEM focus on Environmental Science, this project will help students learn about coding and alternative energy sources through the use of drones. Students will receive instruction using this technology in class and through an afterschool club. The drones will show students how work can be done efficiently and in an environmentally responsible manner. The project will also increase the number of students that can participate in after school STEM programs.
Mrs. Sarah Wetherington
Mrs. Sarah Wetherington
Paulding County Schools, New Georgia Elementary School
“Can we build it? Yes, we can!”
Mrs. Sarah Wetherington has been teaching for seven years. She currently teaches STEM to K-5th grade students, leads the Science Olympiad team, and leads STEM Days and a STEM Night at her school. She is also the Paulding County School District Elementary Science Liaison for the GaDOE and NWGA RESA. Mrs. Wetherington was chosen for her work in the classroom engaging her students in a STEM challenge about constructing the strongest spider web.
Award Impact
Mrs. Wetherington plans to provide her students with real-world building materials with her project. In this project, students will build, create, and innovate building designs using construction materials and STEM kits. Students will use the Engineering Design Process to take on challenges, test out their designs, and learn from their mistakes. Mrs. Wetherington believes having a growth mindset approach is essential for success in all aspects of life.
Mr. Clayton Woodfin
Thomas County Schools, Thomas County Middle School
“Science Fair EEG Headbands”
Mr. Clayton Woodfin has been teaching for 21 years. He currently teaches 8th grade physical science and leads a Rocket Day at his school. Other recognitions include Rock Star Teacher (2019) and GaDOE Science Ambassador. Mr. Woodfin was chosen for his work in the classroom engaging students in physical and chemical changes through his Grilled Cheese Phenomenon lesson.
Award Impact
Mr. Woodfin plans to provide his students with more access to technology through his project. In this project, students will use Muse 2 Headbands to investigate how brain waves and heart rate are affected by various stimuli. Students will have the opportunity to use this equipment for science fair projects as well. This project will provide support and technology to help students explore their ideas.