2024 June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award Presented to Missouri Teacher

Eight-grade science teacher recognized for commitment to keeping students engaged in STEM

WASHINGTON DC – September 27, 2024 – Gina Pereda, an eighth-grade integrated science teacher at STEAM Academy Middle School in Hazelwood, MO, is the recipient of the 2024 June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award. The Award is named in honor of Challenger Center Founding Chair June Scobee Rodgers. It recognizes an outstanding educator who understands the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and demonstrates enthusiasm and passion for teaching STEM subjects.

“Learning about passionate educators like Gina is a reminder of the unwavering dedication teachers have to both their students and their craft,” Scobee Rodgers reflected. “It’s truly a privilege to recognize outstanding educators and celebrate a culture of excellence in teaching that transforms lives and shapes the future.”

Pereda was presented with the Award, including $2,500 to further support her efforts, during a special assembly at her school. Nominations for the June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award are open to all Challenger Learning Centers, and Pereda was nominated by Challenger Learning Center – St. Louis.

Located within the Ferguson-Florissant School District, Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis serves schools across the bi-state region. Pereda has been a middle school science teacher in this district for the entire twenty-year existence of Challenger Learning Center – St. Louis and has brought more than 20 groups of students to the Center to fly Missions. She engages fully with the professional development offered by the Center and provides insights to peers new to visiting the Center.

“Gina Pereda is worthy of all the STEM accolades she has received based solely on what she does by herself in her classroom, said Erin Tyree, Program Manager, Challenger Learning Center – St. Louis. “But what makes her especially worthy of this Award is how she specifically leveraged her relationship with our Challenger Learning Center to further augment her classroom experiences. Ms. Pereda’s students are always well-prepared and engaged, a clear indication that their Challenger Learning Center experience is a culmination of their work rather than a one-day anomaly.”

Earlier this year, the Washington Space Business Roundtable (WSBR) generously contributed to the June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award endowment. As a leadership forum dedicated to uniting the Washington, DC area space industry, WSBR plays a crucial role in enhancing student and teacher engagement in space-related topics. The commitment aligns with the mission to honor June Scobee Rodgers’ legacy in STEM education and to recognize the remarkable efforts of exceptional teachers across the nation.

About Challenger Center
As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides hundreds of thousands of students annually with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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Contact:
Challenger Center
Lisa Vernal, VP, Communications
lvernal@challenger.org