May 19, 2011

Washington, D.C. — Nevada Senator Harry Reid met today with the 2010 Nevada winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Janda Lannigan-Piekarz, a math teacher at Duncan Elementary School in Reno, and Arlene Hayman, a second grade science teacher at Paradise Elementary School in Las Vegas were joined by their families as they met with Reid in his office.  

“Janda and Arlene are the type of teachers Nevada needs to ensure students are receiving the best education possible,” Reid said. “I congratulate them on winning this prestigious award and representing Nevada so well. We all need to work together and do everything we can to help Nevada’s students compete in this 21st century global economy.”

“It was a pleasure to meet with Senator Reid,” said Lannigan-Piekarz. “I appreciate his support for education and his efforts to help students learn in Nevada by securing the resources schools need to succeed.”

“Senator Reid’s support for education is critical to our students’ success,” said Hayman. “I thank Senator Reid for his advocacy on behalf of the issues affecting Nevada students and schools.”

About the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching is the highest national recognition for a K-12 mathematics or science teacher. Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, DoD schools, and the U.S. territories.

Enacted by Congress in 1983, this program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year (two per state and territory). The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The 85 winners for 2010 will each receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an expenses-paid trip to Washington for an awards ceremony and several days of events, including a meeting with President Obama.