Congratulations!
2025 Don Cargill STEM Scholars
Thank you for joining GYSTC as we honor 25 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
Ms. Mary Grace Glunt
Atlanta Public Schools, Mary Lin Elementary School
“Growing a Garden of Happiness”
Ms. Mary Grace Glunt has been teaching for five years. She currently teaches first grade. Other awards include Mary Lin Elementary School STEAM Teacher of the Month (August 2023). Ms. Glunt was chosen for her work in the classroom encouraging her students to find patterns, irregularities, and seasonal changes in weather and temperature throughout the school year.
Award Impact
Ms. Glunt plans to help her students make valuable correlations with her project. In this project, students will make connections between weather patterns and what plants can grow during certain parts of the year (seasons). Students will also learn about the parts of plants, and what plants need to survive. This project will integrate science, math, and art to provide students with a bigger picture of what plants can do for us.
Ms. Calendra Williams
Atlanta Public Schools, Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy
“House Hunters: Bird Edition”
Ms. Calendra Williams has been teaching for six years. She currently teaches first grade. Ms. Williams was chosen for her work in the classroom engaging her students in static electricity through the use of the scientific method.
Award Impact
Ms. Williams plans to spark curiosity and empathy with her project. In this project, students will collaborate as a group to design and create special birdhouses that can be placed outside for real birds to live in. Students will also learn about birds, their habitats, and what they need to survive. This project will allow students to be creative, work together, and learn new skills, all while having fun and helping animals in their environment.
Ms. Jennifer George
Bremen City Schools, Bremen 4th and 5th Grade Academy
“3D Design and Printing”
Ms. Jennifer George has been teaching for 18 years. She currently teaches fourth and fifth-grade science. Other awards include Bremen Academy Teacher of the Year (2016, 2023). Ms. George was chosen for her work in the classroom using the engineering design process to have students complete a spacecraft design challenge.
Award Impact
Ms. George plans to equip her students with problem-solving skills with her project. In this project, students will use the engineering design process to design, build, and print an object with a 3D printer. Students will also learn about using computer-aided design programs. This project will challenge students through an engaging opportunity to practice problem-solving skills to persevere to find an effective solution.
Ms. Amber Nicole Kersey
Butts County Schools, Henderson Middle School
“Electric House: Small Town Fame”
Ms. Amber Nicole Kersey has been teaching for 10 years. She currently teaches eighth-grade physical science. Other awards include Henderson Middle School Teacher of the Month (2020, 2021, and 2024). Ms. Kersey was chosen for her instructional unit that requires her students to design, construct, and wire model buildings.
Award Impact
Ms. Kersey plans to upgrade her students’ learning experience with her project. In this project, students will research, plan, construct, wire, and present a model of a notable Georgia building or landmark. In addition to science, students will learn about Georgia’s cultural heritage and the historical significance of real structures. This project will not only teach students the technical aspects of electrical systems, but also allow them to gain practical skills in design, problem-solving, and collaboration that will serve them in future STEM endeavors.
Ms. Christina Flores
Carroll County Schools, Providence Elementary School
“Expanding STEM Learning Beyond the STEM Lab”
Ms. Christina Flores has been teaching for 16 years. She currently teaches kindergarten through fifth grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Other awards include Providence Elementary School Teacher of the Year (2024). Ms. Flores was chosen for her work in the classroom integrating science and social studies to allow students to pitch an idea for a product similar to ABC Network’s “Shark Tank”.
Award Impact
Ms. Flores plans to expand her students’ learning beyond the STEM lab with her project. In this project, students will utilize Sphero Robots to complete various challenges. Students will also learn about problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. This project will provide endless learning opportunities and will benefit current and future students.
Ms. Suzie Gordon
Carroll County Schools, Glanton Hindsman Elementary School
“Digital Microscope in the Classroom”
Ms. Suzie Gordon has been teaching for three years. She currently teaches kindergarten through fifth grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Other awards include Support Person of the Year (2021). Ms. Gordon was chosen for her work in the classroom engaging her students in project-based learning about Georgia’s geographic regions.
Award Impact
Ms. Gordon plans to magnify her students’ learning with her project. In this project, students will use digital microscopes to view microscopic plant and animal cells. Students will also learn about proper microscope procedures. This project will allow students to zoom in on the concepts they are learning.
Ms. Amanda Ledbetter
Carrollton City Schools, Carrollton Middle School
“Go-Go Gadget Graphing”
Ms. Amanda Ledbetter has been teaching for 27 years. She currently teaches eighth-grade physical science. Other awards include Carrollton Middle School Teacher of the Month (2024), North Cobb Christian Teacher of the Year (2012), and Villa Rica Middle School Teacher of the Month (2022-2023). Ms. Ledbetter was chosen for her work in the classroom having her students apply their knowledge of sound waves to amplify or reduce the loudness of a speaker.
Award Impact
Ms. Ledbetter plans to have students “go with the flow” with her project. In this project, students will use a graphing motion detector to analyze the flow of water in a stream, gaining insight into the importance of environmental science and the dynamics of ecosystems. Students will also deepen their understanding of physics, motion, and how it connects to their local environment. This project will transform the learning experience into an engaging exploration of motion, data collection, and environmental science, preparing students for future scientific inquiries.
Ms. Karina Dean
Cherokee County Schools, Hickory Flat Elementary School
“Circuit Explorers: Hands-On Learning with Open, Closed, and Parallel Circuits & Careers in Electricity”
Ms. Karina Dean has been teaching for 18 years. She currently teaches kindergarten through fifth-grade science. Other awards include Teacher of the Year (Arizona, 2008; Texas, 2010) and Teacher of the Month (2013). Ms. Dean was chosen for her work in the classroom fostering a passion for exploration and discovery in STEM education, including the creation of a new K-5 Science Lab.
Award Impact
Ms. Dean plans to spark her students’ curiosity with her project. In this project, students will work in small groups to build open, closed, and parallel circuits using snap circuit boards. Students will also learn about careers in electricity. This project will allow them to apply theoretical knowledge, deepen their understanding of how circuits function, and inspire students to think about their future in science and technology fields.
Ms. Cat Klingbeil
Cherokee County Schools, Freedom Middle School
“Roller Coaster Challenge”
Ms. Cat Klingbeil has been teaching for 9 years. She currently teaches eighth-grade physical science. Other awards include Freedom Middle School Teacher of the Year (2023) and Freedom Middle School Teacher of the Month (2023). Ms. Klingbeil was chosen for her work in the classroom creating an interdisciplinary final where students redesigned a local high school building for teen use.
Award Impact
Ms. Klingbeil plans to focus on real-world problem-solving with her project. In this project, students will combine their knowledge of Georgia’s economy, scale modeling, argumentative text, and kinetic and potential energy to create a business proposal for an entrepreneur. Students will also learn how different content areas connect. This project will promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication to design their new amusement park.
Ms. Alicia Reno
City Schools of Decatur, Talley Street Upper Elementary School
“Heat Transfer Unit”
Mr. Antonio Ellis has been teaching for 16 years. He currently teaches kindergarten through fifth grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Other awards include Boxlight’s Outstanding STEM Educator (2024), Science ATL STEM Educator of the Year (2023), and Griffin RESA’s Georgia Tapp Teacher of the Year (2013). Mr. Ellis was chosen for his work in the classroom teaching coding with Ozobots.
Award Impact
Mr. Ellis plans to upgrade his STEM lab’s hydroponic garden with his project. In this project, students will grow their knowledge about plants and what they need to thrive. Students will also learn about making healthy food choices. This project will provide the students with multiple hands-on activities to maximize their learning experience.
Mr. Antonio Ellis
Clayton County Schools, Michelle Obama STEM Elementary Academy
“Hydroponics 2.0”
Mr. Antonio Ellis has been teaching for 16 years. He currently teaches kindergarten through fifth grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Other awards include Boxlight’s Outstanding STEM Educator (2024), Science ATL STEM Educator of the Year (2023), and Griffin RESA’s Georgia Tapp Teacher of the Year (2013). Mr. Ellis was chosen for his work in the classroom teaching coding with Ozobots.
Award Impact
Mr. Ellis plans to upgrade his STEM lab’s hydroponic garden with his project. In this project, students will grow their knowledge about plants and what they need to thrive. Students will also learn about making healthy food choices. This project will provide the students with multiple hands-on activities to maximize their learning experience.
Mr. Andrew Harvey
Dublin City Schools, Irish Gifted Academy
“Robots & Engineering”
Mr. Andrew Harvey has been teaching for 15 years. He currently teaches fifth grade through high school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), engineering, computer science, and mechatronics. Mr. Harvey was chosen for his work in the classroom engaging the students in the engineering design process through a bridge building challenge.
Award Impact
Mr. Harvey plans to implement a hands-on robotics and engineering project with his project. In this project, students will advance their knowledge of robotics, coding, and engineering design by incorporating mechatronics principles. Students will also learn about robot construction, programming, and problem-solving. This project will foster STEM skills that are essential for future academic and career success.
Ms. Amber Street
Emanuel County Schools, Swainsboro Elementary School
“Byte-Sized History: Programming the Past”
Ms. Amber Street has been teaching for 11 years. She currently teaches third through fifth-grade gifted education. Other awards include Swainsboro Elementary School Teacher of the Year (2023-2024) and receiving a 2024 Nordson Foundation Grant. Ms. Street was chosen for her work in the classroom integrating math and engineering principles into an engaging project, Volume City, where students planned, calculated, and constructed 3D models of city buildings to demonstrate their understanding of volume using grid nets.
Award Impact
Ms. Street plans to make history come alive with her project. In this project, students will use coding to create an interactive historical timeline featuring significant historical figures and engaging mini-games. Students will also learn valuable research skills by merging technology with historical exploration. This project will help students develop a deeper, more personal connection to history, and enhance their learning experience.
Mr. Colby Counter
Forsyth County Schools, Matt Elementary School
“STEM Speedsters”
Mr. Colby Counter has been teaching for 28 years. He currently teaches kindergarten through fifth grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Other awards include Matt Elementary Teacher of the Year (2024), Keep Forsyth County Beautiful Educator of the Year (2006), Georgia Science Teachers Association Elementary Teacher of the Year – District II (2004), and Sawnee Elementary Teacher of the Year (2003). Mr. Counter was chosen for his rocketry lesson which had a positive impact on students in all grade levels and abilities.
Award Impact
Mr. Counter plans to implement a hands-on engineering project. In this project, students will learn about Newton’s Law of Motion and other standards by building a Lego car and testing it on a modified pinewood derby track. Students will also learn how scientists behave and communicate. This project will help grow interest in science and STEM not only at Matt Elementary but also in the local community.
Ms. Michelle Morgan
Gwinnett County Schools, Hull Middle School
“Coding Curiosity”
Ms. Michelle Morgan has been teaching for 16 years. She currently teaches eighth-grade physical science. Ms. Morgan was chosen for her work in the classroom integrating physical science, engineering, and technology to put a new spin on Rube Goldberg machines.
Award Impact
Ms. Morgan plans to increase the reach of her Rube Goldberg activity with her project. In this project, students will incorporate Sphero Mini Robots and Hummingbird Robotics Kits into the design of their Rube Goldberg machines. Students will also learn key physics principles, such as motion, energy transfer, and cause and effect. This project will improve students’ coding and engineering skills, giving them valuable experiences that will extend beyond the classroom.
Ms. Abby Paul
Gwinnett County Schools, Berkmar Middle School
“Circuit Architects: Design Your Dream”
Ms. Abby Paul has been teaching for 20 years. She currently teaches eighth-grade physical science. Other awards include Berkmar Middle School Teacher of the Year (2024). Ms. Paul was chosen for her work in the classroom promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through a skydivers and parachutes lesson (this lesson was also recognized by the National Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2021).
Award Impact
Ms. Paul plans to provide hands-on learning opportunities with her project. In this project, students will develop, build, and test their own unique electrical circuits for a specific purpose of their choosing. Students will also use mathematical and computational thinking to support a claim regarding the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance. This project will give students experiences that will not only deepen their scientific knowledge and skills but also inspire their future academic and career pursuits.
Ms. Mallory Treadwell
Heard County Schools, Heard County Middle School
“Soaring into STEM”
Ms. Mallory Treadwell has been teaching for eight years. She currently teaches sixth through eighth-grade technology. Other awards include Coweta-Fayette EMC Bright Ideas Award Winner (2023). Ms. Treadwell was chosen for her work in the classroom highlighting the biomedical field with a robotic hand project.
Award Impact
Ms. Treadwell plans to take learning to new heights with her project. In this project, students will learn how to fly a drone. Students will also learn about career paths involving drones. This project will pique the interest of the students and give them a goal to work towards through middle school, high school, and beyond.
Mr. Matthew Allen
Jackson County Schools, Maysville Elementary School
“Beyond Coding: Learning Physical Computing”
Mr. Matthew Allen has been teaching for 17 years. He currently teaches fifth grade. Other awards include Atlanta Braves Most Valuable Teacher (2024) and Maysville Elementary School Teacher of the Year (2024). Mr. Allen was chosen for his work in the classroom engaging his students in a lesson about electricity and circuitry through the construction of electronic bugs.
Award Impact
Mr. Allen plans to provide his students with hands-on experience in physical computing, coding, and engineering with his project. In this project, students will be introduced to the world of electronics and robots, allowing them to see how coding interacts with the physical world in real time. Students will also learn about collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This project will inspire students to pursue further studies in STEM fields, equipping them with the foundational skills they need for the future.
Ms. Jessica Knight
Jackson County Schools, West Jackson Elementary School
“STEM Amusement Park”
Ms. Jessica Knight has been teaching for 14 years. She currently teaches fourth grade. Other awards include STAR Teacher (2021) and Yargo Elementary Teacher of the Year (2017). Ms. Knight was chosen for her work in the classroom with the recess project where third through fifth grade students collaborated to redesign their school’s playground.
Award Impact
Ms. Knight plans to spotlight simple machines with her project. In this project, students will learn about simple machines, how they impact our lives, and use that information to construct a STEM Amusement Park. Students will also learn about collaboration and communication. This project will provide students with a meaningful and engaging hands-on experience that will help them retain knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the content.
Ms. Maria Koch
Oconee County Schools, Oconee County Primary School
“Dreaming Up”
Ms. Maria Koch has been teaching for 20 years. She currently teaches kindergarten through second grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Other awards include the Thomas Whitehead Chair Award for Teachers of Science (2014). Ms. Koch was chosen for her work in the classroom utilizing the engineering design process with her students to create a shock-absorbing system that would protect two astronauts during a lunar landing.
Award Impact
Ms. Koch plans to enhance STEM education in her classroom with her project. In this project, students will have the opportunity to explore different types of construction, using durable, non-consumable building materials through the addition of a classroom Maker Space. Students will also refine their fine motor skills and engage their imaginations. This project will allow students to thoughtfully engage in the engineering design process, fostering curiosity and encouraging them to “dream up” innovative solutions.
Ms. Colby Moremen
Oconee County Schools, Colham Ferry Elementary School
“Sustaining a School Garden”
Ms. Colby Moremen has been teaching for 18 years. She currently teaches kindergarten through fifth-grade elementary agriculture. Ms. Moremen was chosen for her work in the classroom teaching sustainability through an automated garden irrigation system project.
Award Impact
Ms. Moremen plans to foster an understanding of sustainability, healthy eating, and environmental stewardship with her project. In this project, students will participate in year-long integrated garden-related activities such as learning about plants, the ecosystem, measuring water collected and used, calculating harvest yields, and how to prepare healthy meals. Students will also showcase their achievements and share what they have learned with the community through Mustang Market Days. This project will create an enriching educational experience that promotes sustainability, health, and community engagement, ultimately benefiting the entire school population.
Ms. Kelley Nunn
Paulding County Schools, P.B. Ritch Middle School
“Aquaponics and Hydroponics”
Ms. Kelley Nunn has been teaching for 13 years. She currently teaches sixth through eighth-grade special education. Other awards include the P.B. Ritch Middle School Teacher of the Year (2023) and Paulding County School District Teacher of the Year (2023). Ms. Nunn was chosen for her work in the classroom bringing the five regions of Georgia to her students.
Award Impact
Ms. Nunn plans to provide a practical approach for her students to learn about biology, ecology, and agriculture with her project. In this project, students will observe the interdependent relationships of plants and fish in soil-less environments. Students will also become more aware of environmental issues that impact traditional agriculture. This project will allow students to learn to work together, share responsibilities, and develop interpersonal skills, all of which are valuable not just in the classroom, but in future workplace scenarios.
Dr. Deidre Eileen Paris
Paulding County Schools, JA Dobbins Middle School
“Engineering Design with Micro:Bits”
Dr. Deidre Eileen Paris has been teaching for seven years. She currently teaches sixth through eighth-grade engineering, technology, and invention. Other awards 21st Century Leadership Academy Recipient for ITEEA (2023), Woodrow Wilson Teacher Fellow (2016), and Georgia Tech Presidential Scholar (2000). Dr. Paris was chosen for her work in the classroom focused on the essential roles that sensors play in allowing robots to interact with their environment.
Award Impact
Dr. Paris plans to dive into coding with her project. In this project, students will learn about coding, electronics, and design various devices such as a pedometer, digital compass, and safety alert device. Students will also learn about the engineering design process. This project will benefit students by helping them better understand computers and how they work.
Ms. Charvez Holmes
Peach County Schools, Fort Valley Middle School
“Exploring Heat and Energy: A Calorimetry Study of Everyday Foods”
Ms. Charvez Holmes has been teaching for seven years. She currently teaches high school physical science to eighth-grade gifted learners, as well as eighth-grade physical science, and social studies. Other awards include Fort Valley Middle School Teacher of the Year (2025) and Peach County School District Teacher of the Year (2025). Ms. Holmes was chosen for her work in the classroom investigating Newton’s Laws of Motion where students had to think critically and creatively to design the slowest marble run using simple machines and friction.
Award Impact
Ms. Holmes plans to bring learning to the table with her project. In this project, students will use the engineering design process to construct a calorimeter, calculate the specific heat of different foods, and show an analysis of how heat transfer takes place. Students will also explore health and nutrition education and sustainability awareness on food choice and energy efficiency. This project will give students an enriching educational experience that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry and prepares students for future skills that can be used in the real world.
Mr. Joseph Thompson
Turner County Schools, Turner County Elementary School
“Mobile STEM Classroom”
Mr. Joseph Thompson has been teaching for 10 years. He currently teaches kindergarten through fifth grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Other awards include Turner County Elementary School Teacher of the Year (2023). Mr. Thompson was chosen for his work in the classroom introducing geometry through art.
Award Impact
Mr. Thompson plans to equip his STEM classroom with his project. In this project, students will engage in activities that integrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math through new resources such as robots and magnetic tiles. Students will also participate in various STEM challenges with the new materials. This project will provide students with supplies to have hands-on experiences and interactive learning opportunities that they have never had before.