Ottawa Hills Schools is used to being lauded for its academic achievements.

The district earned 5 stars in all areas of the 2024 Ohio School Report Cards. It tied with Oakwood City, Solon City, and Marion Local for number one district in the state. In the 2024 U.S. News and World Report listings, it ranked 22nd in the nation. So, what else could the district be lauded for?

The district and 15 of its teachers was one 40 districts and 436 teachers to be picked by the Ohio Academy of Science to receive the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research for their accomplishments during the 2023-24 school year. 

“I am incredibly proud of our teachers and students,” principal Ben McMurray said. “We are grateful to the community for its ongoing support of our STEM programs.”

First established in 1985, the award recognizes Ohio schools and teachers who stimulate scientific student research and technological design and extend experiential opportunities beyond traditional classroom activities.

“We are proud to honor these schools and teachers for preparing students for the future through application-based learning,” said Michael E. Woytek, the Academy’s executive director. “The students are learning and gaining confidence by solving complex problems through inquiry and technological design.”

The academy of science defines STEM education as both the mastery and integration of science technology, engineering, and mathematics for all K-12 students. It incorporates scientific inquiry and technological design through student-focused, project-based curricula to develop skills of communication, teamwork/collaboration, creativity/innovation, critical thinking, and problem solving.

The academy of science initiated this educational partnership program in cooperation with the Office of Technology Investments, the Ohio Department of Development to recognize schools and teachers for excellence in STEM education and scientific student research.

“Today’s young scientists are the architects of tomorrow’s promising economic landscape, and we are so grateful for the invaluable role these schools and teachers play in supporting their pursuit of knowledge,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Department of Development. “Through their dedication to STEM education, these educators are empowering students to become the relentless innovators who will build a better future for Ohio.”

Ottawa Hills will receive a special Governor’s Award certificate and each teacher will receive a complimentary membership to the Ohio Academy of Science. The Office of Technology Investments, The Ohio Department of Development funded the program.

“We take great pride in our STEM program and its diverse offerings and are thankful for our dedicated teachers who create exceptional learning experiences for our students to develop critical skills and learn to be creative problem solvers,” Mr. McMurray said. “Throughout their journey at Ottawa Hills, students build a strong foundation in STEM and understand how classroom concepts apply to real-world scenarios.”

Ottawa Hills STEM teachers receiving the award are: Caitlin Shawaker, Dan Feuerstein, Diane Drabek, Gerry Davis, Gloria Kreischer-Gajewicz, Janelle Fowler, Jeremy Nixon, Joan Keckler, Kristin Johnson, Liz Puskala, Michael Leeds, Nicole Silvers, Patty Dowd, Tim Adkins, and Tony Torio.

Ms. Puskala, a graduate of Ottawa Hills, teaches freshman biology and junior/senior anatomy. She received a bachelor’s of science degree from Michigan Technological University, and her master’s degree in education from the University of Toledo.

She credits science teachers she had in high school at Ottawa Hills for inspiring her to earn her bachelor’s degree.

“I had a couple of science teachers who really sparked my interest in science,” Ms. Puskala said. “I loved their classes so much it led me to go and get my B.S. degree.”

Ms. Puskala said she believes STEM is popular in the district because teachers create hands-on experiences for the students.

“My biology students are going through several procedures to determine cell size, and we are also testing DNA fingerprinting,” she explained. “My anatomy students are dissecting sheep brains and  hearts, cow eyes, and a mink. The students are very involved and engaged. I just hope they leave this school informed citizens, consumers, and objective thinkers.”

She also takes her biology students out to Magee Marsh in Carroll Township in May for the Biggest Week in American Birding.

“I have the students study radar maps and they are always amazed by how many birds come through our area,” she said. “I believe the district is strong in STEM because teachers strive to teach and engage their students and to have them ask questions. It really is a compliment to receive the governor’s award from the state.”

Paul Genzman teaches eighth grade science as well as environmental science for high school seniors. His wife, Lianne Genzman, is a fifth grade science teacher in the district also.

“The students are very interested in science and the environment,” Mr. Genzman said. “I try to make what I am teaching relevant so we study the Ottawa River, Lake Erie, algal blooms, and invasive species. They do seem to enjoy it.”

Mr. Genzman, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, received his bachelor’s of science from Bowling Green State University and his master’s degree in natural resources from the Ohio State University.

“It really is an honor to win the STEM award,” Mr. Genzman said. “It really paints a picture of everybody who was involved, not just one teacher.”

Mr. Genzman said students reach junior high and high school ready to learn thanks to the skills they learned in elementary school.

“When kids have a positive experience in elementary school, that continues at every level,” he said. “It is just so cool to be a part of the group accomplishment. The kids come ready to learn and the parents and community are very supportive. So, it really is a group award.”

Mr. McMurray said the district’s STEM programs really do help the students once the graduate.

“The programs prepare our students for the future,” Mr. McMurray said. “It prepares them to be critical and creative thinkers in order to solve problems. We value the continued support from our community, the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association, and the OH Schools Foundation, whose generous grants supply vital resources, equipment, and other enhancements that help us maintain our reputation as a leading STEM school."

First Published November 1, 2024, 7:53 p.m.