Greg McCurdy , 2009 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Greg McCurdy joined the HASTI family during his first year of teaching at Salem High School in the fall of 1977. Thirty two years later, he is still at Salem High School in Salem Community Schools and the 2009 HASTI conference is his 32nd consecutive conference. Service to HASTI began as a conference presenter and author of articles for the Hoosier Science Teacher. When a vacancy on the conference committee for a biology session reviewer came open, Greg answered the call. Greg was invited onto the board of directors to fill out a board term for a retiring board member and then won the position outright in the next board election. While serving on the board he implemented an aggressive membership initiative by using evenings to visit teachers of science at all levels at their schools during open house events so that he could share his testimony of what HASTI was doing to create better teachers of science. He worked with the HASTI college representative to develop an outreach program for pre-service science teachers K-12 to encourage HASTI involvement as part of their professional training. He served as the 2005-2006 Vice President, the 2006-2007 President, and the 2007-2008 Conference Chair. His conference theme of "Thinking Outside the Box" focused on how teachers must tap the creativity of the students of today so that the scientists of tomorrow can solve problems in areas such as the environment, space travel, and medicine. Greg worked closely with state science consultants Becky Carter and Jenny Hicks to bring about a greater level of dialog and cooperation between HASTI and the Indiana Department of Education so that HASTI members have a voice in directing science education in Indiana. Greg continues to serve HASTI in the capacity of Treasurer.

Greg has made other contributions to the field of science education. He has served as an adjunct lecturer at Indiana University Southeast teaching Biology, Medical Terminology, and Science Methods for Teaching Middle School/Junior High/Senior High School science.  He has served on IDOE committees to evaluate questions for the CORE 40 Biology exam and to establish cut lines determining the standards for pass and pass+ on those exams. Greg was a contributing writer and content reviewer for the Prentice Hall “Dragonfly” biology textbook and has had a number of activities published in laboratory manuals. He has helped to conduct drive-in workshops in his home district and served as a resource and science workshop presenter for a number of school corporations.

National awards that Greg has received include a RadioShack National Teaching Award for creative usage of technology in the classroom in 2003. In 2005-2006 he was one of seventeen teachers selected nationwide by the American Physiological Society to participate in their year-long Frontiers in Physiology program where he worked under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Falcone in vascular research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. In the summer of 2008 he was one of eight teachers selected to write curriculum for the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. He received a Realizing the Dream Award from the Independent Colleges of Indiana for encouragement provided to first generation college students. He was recognized as an Outstanding Science Teacher by the Bloomington, Indiana chapter of Sigma Xi, the Research Society for promoting science research at the secondary level. He received the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for Indiana from the National Association of Biology Teachers in 2001. At the local level Greg is a two-time recipient of the Washington County Conservation Educator award.

“HASTI members never enter the classroom alone. They have the support of hundreds of colleagues who must overcome the same obstacles, who are willing to share ideas and strategies, and have similar beliefs that science can be fun, challenging, and rewarding”.    Greg McCurdy

Mark Mettert , 2009 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

     Mark has been an avid supporter of HASTI since he attended his first conference at the Adam’s Mark hotel in 1986. “I was so excited to get back to my classroom and share with my students and colleagues the materials I gleaned from attending HASTI.  I was like a kid in a candy store.”    
    Mark’s enthusiasm for HASTI has never dwindled. He became a frequent presenter at HASTI conferences at the regional and state level. He served on the HASTI Board of Directors as the District III Representative from 1998 to 2004, HASTI Vice President  2004-2005, and President 2005-2006. Mark was the Chairperson of the 37th annual HASTI Professional Development Conference, “The Highly Qualified Teacher,” in 2007.
     Mark’s involvement with HASTI was a springboard that led him to become a leader in science education at the state and national level. Mark has served on several state committees and was a co-author of the Indiana Academic Standards for the Department of Education. He is an Atmospheric Education Resource agent for the American Meteorological Society, and in that capacity facilitates on-line graduate credit courses in Hydrology and Climatology. Mark also worked with the American Geophysical Union to develop an Earthquake Preparedness classroom program – “Seismic Sleuths.”
     Mark’s involvement in Science education has resulted in numerous awards and recognition. Mark received a Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship in 1989. He was the Runner-Up Indiana State Teacher of the Year in 1995; a Tandy Technology Scholar in 1998; and the Indiana Outstanding Biology Teacher Award winner in 2008.
     Mark teaches Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Biomedical Sciences, and is the Science department chair at New Haven High School in New Haven, Indiana. He is also the Secondary Science Coordinator for the East Allen County School Corporation.
     HASTI is pleased to honor Mark Mettert for his continuous dedication and service to Science education in Indiana.
      

"To reach students with positive reinforcement, to witness the 'aha' moment in their eyes, and to see the smiles on their faces makes teaching the best job in the world."     Mark Mettert

Monica Ellis, 2007 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Monica Ellis became a member of HASTI during the early years of her teaching career. Over the past eighteen years she has served the organization in many capacities. She began by presenting sessions at the state conventions and then started to serve on convention committees. She was first elected to the Board of Directors as the Elementary Representative from 1993-1998. She later served as the 2003-2004 Vice President and 2004-2005 President of HASTI. Monica was part of the committee that formulated HASTI’s first Strategic Plan to help the organization refocus and redefine its mission and better address the current and future needs of Indiana teachers of science. As President, she began the implementation of that initiative. Monica was the 2006 Convention Chair for “Making Connections,” the 36th state convention. She introduced the use of strands to add in-depth professional development areas to the event. She continues to serve on the HASTI Convention and Teacher Survey Committees.
Monica’s involvement in science education and support of HASTI extends beyond our organization. Her expertise has been shared with other science educators at the local, state, and national levels. She has presented at NSTA national and HASTI state conventions, developed district level workshops, and offered sessions within her school. Monica was the Local Arrangements Chair for NSTA’s 2004 Area Convention held in Indianapolis. She also was co-coordinator of the Mini HASTI professional development activities that were offered at the 2006 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. She has served on state science proficiencies and science standards committees. She was a member of the Eli Lilly Science Elementary Outreach Committee and presented training workshops for participating scientists. After 31 years of teaching grades K-5 in several school systems, Monica recently retired from Sunnyside Elementary in the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis.
Monica has been recognized for her efforts and success in science education at many levels. At the national level, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching. Monica is a recipient of the Golden Apple, Lilly Science, and NASA Honors Teacher awards. She was also designated a WRTV Teacher of the Week She has been named Outstanding Supervising Teacher by the Association of Teachers Educators-Indiana and DePauw University. At the district level she has received both the Superintendent’s and the Above and Beyond Awards.
Monica is being honored with the 2007 Edward L. Frazier Distinguished Service Award as a result of her continuous service, commitment to the HASTI mission, and dedication to improving science education.

"HASTI provides the key that opens doors to professional development for Indiana teachers of science at all levels."
Monica Ellis

Carol Chen, 2006 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Carol Chen began her involvement with HASTI as the Indiana Association of Chemistry Teachers (IACT) representative at the Board of Directors meetings. She has continued to serve our association over the years in many additional capacities. Carol has been an elected member of the HASTI Board serving as District 4 Representative, Vice President, President, and State Convention Chair. She is currently the Chair of the Professional Development Committee. When there is a job to be done, Carol readily accepts the challenge. Her involvement has been long term and varied. She is an established presence at the state conventions, working on the committees and giving presentations. As a member of the planning team, she contributed to the writing of our organization’s first Strategic Plan. Carol represented HASTI at the NSTA Indy Area Convention as a member of the Program Committee as well as the manager of the HASTI Booth. Carol’s willingness to volunteer her time and expertise over the years has contributed to the continued success of our organization Carol’s involvement in science education extends well beyond our organization. She was on the Indiana Outreach Committee for Chemistry with Purdue University and was on the committee that established IACT. She has served on the state Science Proficiencies and Science Standards committees. She shares her expertise with other science educators at the local, state, and national levels. Carol has coached her students for the FIRST and the Indiana Academic Competition teams. She is a certified mentor trainer. After twenty eight years in education, Carol recently retired from Kokomo Center Schools where she was the Science Curriculum Supervisor. Throughout the years she has taught physical science, ChemCom, college prep chemistry and AP Chemistry. Carol’s impact on colleagues and students is evident in the awards she has received. She is the recipient of the Tandy Award for Science Teaching, received recognition as an Outstanding Teacher through the Indianapolis News Star Student Award, Rose Hulman Outstanding Teacher, and Project E Excellence in Teaching Awards. Carol is grateful to all the science educators in Indiana who helped her become a better teacher and enriched her life. Belonging to HASTI continues to be a rewarding experience.

"Sharing is the essence of teaching." – Bill Moyers

Sharon McElroy, 2006 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Sharon McElroy, an East Washington Middle School and Eastern High School science teacher from Borden, Indiana, is being honored with the 2006 HASTI Distinguished Service Award as a result of her service and commitment to the organization. Sharon served as co-president for IMAST (Indiana Mid-level Association of Science Teachers) from 1996 to 1998. She was the HASTI Middle School Representative from 1999 to 2002, Vice-president and President from 2002 to 2004, and Chairperson for the 2005 Convention, “Engaging Inquiry.” Throughout her term as our 36th President, Sharon was committed to the continued growth of HASTI. She recognized the need for HASTI to become a proactive voice for science teachers and her legacy will acknowledge her as the originator of HASTI’s Strategic Plan to meet that need. Through her leadership, this plan is now in place to provide opportunities for professional development, networking of teachers, and information sharing for Indiana teachers of science at all levels and in all disciplines. Sharon has distinguished herself with her long-term vision for the organization. In addition to her contributions to HASTI, Sharon has received numerous awards and recognition from state and national science organizations. She won the INTEL Excellence in Teaching Award in 1999. She was awarded a position as one of five American teachers to represent the United States at the AAAS/APEC Youth Science Festival in Singapore in 2000. She was awarded the SEFI Distinguished Service Award Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2003 for her dedicated work with students in her Science Research program. Sharon challenges, inspires, and supports students in every subject she teaches. Over the past 17 years, her research students have won numerous local, state, national, and international awards.

“I direct students through doors of opportunity toward a better future by illuminating their path with the visions I share.” – Sharon McElroy

Karen Henman, 2005 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Karen began her service to HASTI under the leadership of HASTI president Gus Costello in 1992. Gus drafted Karen to pass out raffle tickets at the Convention Social and her service to HASTI officially started. During her time with HASTI, Karen has presented workshops on various topics including Birds, Remote Sensing, Australia, Wetlands, the Grand Canyon, Ocean Ecology, and the Galapagos Islands. She has led numerous HASTI Field Trips during the Conventions. Over the past five years, Karen has served as District VII Representative on the Board of Directors for the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. During the past several years she has volunteered her time to help with any job that needed to be done in order to maintain the HASTI membership roster, to lend a hand with The Hoosier Science Teacher and to see that election ballots were mailed, received and counted.

Currently Karen teaches seventh grade at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Terre Haute, Indiana. She is coordinator for their Science Fair and expects to have 75 of her students entered this year. She is the Academic Competition Coordinator for her school. Her students have placed first in the NASA Student Involvement Competition in four different years.

In addition to her HASTI commitments, Karen was a contributing author to the Curriculum Frameworks for Middle School developed by the Indiana Department of Education; Student Centered Science Activities published by Prentice Hall; and exploring Wetlands with Satellite Remote Sensing, a CD-ROM developed for NASA by Indiana State University's geography and Geology Department. She received an Indiana Academy of Science Research Fellowship and presented her findings during the annual meeting. Karen is a past president of the Indiana Audubon Society and received the James H. Mason Service Award in 2004. She also has received the National Audubon Outstanding Education Achievement Award. Last, but not least, Karen is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Protection.

Karen's favorite quote is, " I always tell myself not to be afraid to try anything once, especially regarding what or how I teach."

Patricia Zeck, 2004 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Patricia Zeck, a Northwestern High School biology and chemistry teacher from Kokomo, Indiana is being honored with the 2004 HASTI Distinguished Service Award as a result of her dedicated service to the HASTI organization. Patty has served HASTI with tenacity, foresight and real commitment. Patty was HASTI president during 1997-1998 and Chairperson for the 1999 Convention. Patty is presently the secretary of HASTI and diligently serves on the Publications Committee as its chairman.

In addition to Patty's contributions to HASTI, Patty has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions and innovative science teaching. She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2001. She received the Indiana Outstanding Biology Teacher Award in 2002. She was a Tandy Technology Scholar in 1993; a Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher to Japan in 2002; SEFI Distinguished Service Award Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2001; Winner Intel Excellence in Teaching Award in 2000; and numerous other awards and recognition. All of these are truly indicative of Patty's quest to achieve the highest levels in all that she does.

Patty enjoys challenging and supporting students as indicated by her involvement in local and regional science fairs for 32 years, state science fairs for 15 years and International Science and Engineering Fairs for 18 years.

Patty has served on state committees as a co-author of the Indiana Academic Standards for the Department of Education, reviewer of the Core 40 tests, and author of sample lessons for the DOE. Patty has published several articles for the Hoosier Science Teacher as well as in Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science; Symposium Proceedings of Water Resources Education, Training and Practice; Cinergy Education Services; Early Childhood Education Journal; Phi Delta Kappa Fastback "Combating Plagiarism".

As involved as Patty has been in so many areas of science education, she still had the time and energy to present at numerous HASTI Conventions and serve the organization with vigor and a willingness to improve the effectiveness of HASTI.

The HASTI Board of Directors feels honored to recognize Patty and her service for so many years.

Marvin Giesting, 2003 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Marvin Giesting, a Connersville High School physics and chemistry teacher is being honored with the 2003 HASTI Distinguished Service Award as a result of his dedicated service to the HASTI organization. Perhaps the most notable of Marvin's service to HASTI has been his creation of the HASTI WebPage of which he has been the Webmaster since April of 2000. He has shared his science experiences by presenting at HASTI since 1990. He has been a District VI representative since 1997. He has also served on the Convention Committees since 1997.

In addition to Marvin's contributions to HASTI, Marvin has also received awards and recognition from local, state and national science organizations. The Indiana Section American Association of Physics teachers recognized him as the Outstanding Physics teacher in 1996. He was also selected by the National Science Foundation for the Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and the Arctic research program during the summer of 2000 to work on the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska. He was a local I-Star teacher in 1991, 1992 and 1994.

Marvin has attended every HASTI convention since he first started teaching and says, "I still look forward to them". HASTI is so proud to honor Marvin Giesting for his many years of commitment to HASTI, for his years of striving for excellence in the science teaching profession and for his willingness to create the HASTI WebPage and continually upgrade its services as its Webmaster.

D'Ann Stouffer, 2002 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

D'Ann has always been a strong supporter of HASTI. She has served on the HASTI Board of Directors as a District Representative and organized a Regional Drive-In Conference. D'Ann was also HASTI Vice-president (1995-96), President (1996-97) and Convention Chairperson (1997-98). D'Ann has also been an enthusiastic presenter at many of the state conventions. Most recently she chaired the Nominations Committee and provided HASTI with an outstanding slate of officers. She was also Program Director of Vision, a teacher enhancement program, a 15 year coach of Science Olympiad, and served on the writing team for the current state standards.

During her tenure in office, she strove to increase science teacher involvement in HASTI. By making an alteration in the state convention, she was able to increase teacher participation and to present more opportunities for teachers. She pioneered the revision of the constitution and worked on revitalizing many of the HASTI committees. Her leadership in the HASTI organization has been described as progressive and focused on the highest levels of achievement for HASTI.

D'Ann has a real love for the HASTI organization and the importance that teachers play to help keep it strong. Most important of all, she is a great role model of a teacher who never stops learning and who understands the importance of volunteerism. The HASTI Board of Directors thanks D'Ann for her many years of service to HASTI and honor her with the 2002 Distinguished Service Award.

Carolyn Hayes, 2001 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Carolyn Hayes, a Center Grove High School biology teacher in Greenwood, Indiana, is being honored with the 2001 HASTI Distinguished Service Award as a result of her continuous service to the HASTI organization. Carolyn is presently the editor of the HASTI newsletter, The Sci-Ed-Ogram. She has been HASTI president (1995-96), Vice President (1994-95), and was the 1997 State Convention Chairperson. She has been presenting lively sessions at HASTI conventions since 1984. Some of her presentations have included "Using Brassica Rapa in Your Classroom" (2000) and "Human Ecology Activities" (1998). She has also authored articles for The Hoosier Science Teacher, the University of North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network, and many others.

Carolyn's dedication to good science instruction has been apparent in the number of awards she has received. Some of her many awards have included: a 2000 finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching; the 2000 Radio Shack National Teacher Award, Tandy Corporation; Center Grove Community Schools Service Award (2000); the Golden Apple Award (1997); the Indiana Association of Biology Teachers Creativity in Biology Teaching Award (1995); and an Indiana Department of Education finalist for Indiana Teacher of the Year (1989).

HASTI is proud to honor Carolyn Hayes for her many years of dedication to HASTI, for her efforts to strive for excellence in her science teaching profession, and for her willingness to share her expertise and wonderful ideas with others.