Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after being notified that Bartlesville high school teacher, Mrs. Cheryl Fentress, received the Presidential award for excellence in mathematics and science teaching (PAEMST).

Mrs. Fentress has been a dedicated teacher for over 35 years, and is currently a ninth-grade honors Biology teacher at Bartlesville High School. She was the 2019 Bartlesville High School Teacher of the Year, and has been the sponsor of student science fair projects at the local, state, and international levels.

“Teachers like Mrs. Fentress are inspiring the next generation to pursue greatness,” said Rep. Hern. “Emphasizing proficiency in math and science for our students has never been more important, and having excellent teachers like Mrs. Fentress is crucial as we equip our future workforce with the skills they need to be successful in an innovative world. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines prepare our students for the jobs of the future in growing industries like cybersecurity, software development, robotics and others. Congratulations Mrs. Fentress and thank you for being a stalwart leader in our community!”    

Background Information:

Teacher Cheryl Fentress was named one of three state-level finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States, in September of 2019. The National Science Foundation (NSF) selected Mrs. Fentress on August 3^rd for the award.  Awards are given to educators from each of the 50 states and each awardee will receive a certificate signed by the President, a $10,000 award from NSF, and travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony that will be held at a future date.

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