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Sherry Helus Awarded Presidential Award

sherry Helus

We wish to congratulate Sherry Helus, a third grade teacher at West Elementary, as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country.

The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates, going either to science and math teachers in grades K through 6 (as it is this year) or to those teaching in grades 7 through 12. On July 9th President Obama named more than 100 science, math, and engineering teachers and mentors as recipients of two prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence.

Winners of the Presidential Teaching Award receive $10,000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. for a White House awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

President Obama said, “There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation’s young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders. These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all.”

We wish to add our sincere thanks and appreciation for all that Sherry gives to our children and our community. We are privileged and proud to have Sherry on our team, and once again, would like to congratulate her on this landmark achievement.

Sherry Helus Meets the President

On Jan. 6, at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., Sherry Helus, 3rd grade teacher at West Elementary, was presented with a citation from President Barack Obama for excellence in math and science teaching. Helus was one of two recipients from the state of Kansas to receive the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. President Obama made the final decision in selecting each of the 87 nation-wide recipients of this prestigious award.

As part of the award, Helus, and her husband, Ron, were flown to Washington, D.C., where they stayed from Jan. 3-7. While in D.C., Helus attended various professional development sessions, some of which were held at the National Science Foundation. While visiting the National Museum of Natural History, she had the chance to learn about the science that went into the making of the IMAX movie, “Sea Monsters.” She was then given a copy of the movie to share with her students. She also watched a live satellite feed from New Zealand, where scientists aboard the JOIDES Resolution and Expedition were conducting ocean drilling experiments. The highlights of her trip included the opportunity to tour the White House, sit in on the “Educate to Innovate” press conference, which was televised live from the White House, and have a group picture taken with the President. She also participated in a discussion session with White House staff. According to Helus, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan led the teacher-administration discussion. The focus of the discussion was how to “educate kids today to stay competitive [worldwide].”

As a national finalist, Helus was invited to speak at a Kansas State Board of Education meeting. She also will be serving on both the Presidential Awards Steering Committee and Selection Committee for the next year and will be presenting at the Excellence in Education Awards Conference in June.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” said Helus. “I feel extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity. To be recognized for one’s accomplishments always feels great. To be recognized nationally is incredible.”