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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

HOOVER – Berry Middle School’s Melody Greene has been selected as a finalist in the science category for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

According to a release by Hoover City Schools on May 3, two of the district’s educators have been selected as Alabama finalists for PAEMST, including Greene and Gwin Elementary School’s Ashley Dark who was selected for mathematics category.

“HCS extends heartfelt congratulations to Ashley Dark and Melody Greene for their remarkable achievements,” read an official press release from Hoover City Schools.

The PAEMST is considered the pinnacle of recognition for K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers in the U.S. The award is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The PAEMST is considered a testament to the awardee’s exemplary teaching practices and outstanding contributions to their field.

Being a finalist for this award is an extreme honor,” Greene said. “I have worked and continue to work with amazing educators in our state in the fields of math and science. Anytime we can spotlight extraordinary things happening in our classrooms, it is to be celebrated. I love what I do each day.”

Greene also said that it is remarkable to see students excel as they utilize their gifts and talents and that her designation as a finalist is a celebration of this opportunity.

“I know without a doubt that I am called to the classroom to encourage students in their journey to realize that they are smarter than they ever dreamed,” Greene said. “My passion is to cheer kids on and create a magical education experience that encourages kids to come back each day ready to learn, take risks and be a part of a classroom community,”

Dark expressed her excitement and appreciation when she learned of her status as a finalist for the award.

“Being a finalist for the award is extremely meaningful,” she said. “I know that there are many high-quality teachers in our state, so to be among the nominated is a privilege. It truly is an honor to be one of the finalists and to receive recognition for the hard work that goes into perfecting your craft.”

Dark said her relationship with her students inspired her and fuel her passion for education.

“Seeing that relationship lead to academic as well as personal growth brings me so much,” she said.

The awards were established by Congress in 1983 and have been given to more than 5,200 teachers who have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. The official website for PAEMST describes the awards as the reflection of the expertise and dedication of the Nation’s teaching corps and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.

PAEMST are given to STEM teachers from each of the 50 states, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools and the U.S. Jurisdictions of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, America Samoa, Guam the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This year’s PAEMST winners from each state will be announced in the coming months.

Recipients of the PAEMST received the following:

• A certificate signed by the U.S. president
• An all-expenses paid trip to a recognition event and award ceremony
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
• An opportunity to build partnerships with colleagues across the nation