June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award Presented to St. Louis Teacher

Science teacher Fernando Vigil honored for inspiring students at Loyola Academy of St. Louis

Washington, DC – September 10, 2025—Challenger Center is proud to announce Fernando Vigil, a science teacher at Loyola Academy of St. Louis, as the recipient of the 2025 June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award. Vigil was nominated by Challenger Learning Center–St. Louis and was recognized during a morning assembly today at Loyola Academy, where students, staff, and community members celebrated the honor.

The award, named for Challenger Center Founding Chair June Scobee Rodgers, recognizes an outstanding educator who demonstrates passion for teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and who inspires students to see themselves as capable scientists and innovators.

Vigil has taught science at Loyola Academy for 13 years and works with students from underserved communities. He is known for creating a classroom that is active, hands-on, and connected to real-world issues. Whether guiding students through designing rockets and rollercoasters or connecting classroom lessons to community events like severe weather, he has consistently helped students see science as relevant, challenging, and within their reach. He notes that his annual trip to Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis is one of the highlights of the year.

“For the past 12 years, Challenger Learning Center has been an invaluable addition to our curriculum, giving students a hands-on opportunity to dive into space science in ways that transcend the traditional classroom,” Vigil reflected. “The impact of this experience is real, especially for my students, many of whom come from backgrounds where science may not have been emphasized. At Challenger Center, they step into roles where every task matters, building skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. I often hear from former students who still talk about their Challenger Mission years later—it definitely makes a lasting impression on them.”

By building relationships with students across multiple years, Vigil is able to provide both individualized support and high expectations. On average, his students improve their science test scores by more than 15% over the course of their three years at Loyola Academy.

“Mr. Vigil embodies the spirit of the June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award,” said Kevin Harrell, VP of Education at Challenger Center. “He understands that STEM is not just about facts and formulas—it’s about giving young people the tools, confidence, and vision to imagine a bigger future for themselves. He is teaching his students how to question, reason, and see themselves in STEM.”

As part of the recognition, Vigil received $1,500 to support STEM education at Loyola Academy, which he plans to use for lab materials, science kits, and engineering supplies to continue offering a robust hands-on curriculum. Challenger Learning Center–St. Louis also received $1,000 as the nominating Center.

About Challenger Center 

As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides hundreds of thousands of students each year 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 Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Loyola Academy of St. Louis

A Catholic, Jesuit upper-elementary and middle school, Loyola Academy provides a rigorous academic program, character education, enrichment courses, and holistic supports through a 13+ year program that enables graduates to succeed in college-preparatory high schools and beyond.