Eighth-grade Math Teacher Receives June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award in Allegany County

Washington, DC – October 27, 2026 – Challenger Center is proud to announce David Volz, a math teacher at Cuba-Rushford Central School, as the recipient of the 2026 June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award. Volz was nominated by Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region and was recognized during a field trip to the Challenger Learning Center with his students.

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.

David Volz has been a dedicated STEM educator for more than 25 years. Throughout his career, he has helped students better understand their career goals, passions, and interests, and then woven that knowledge into the curriculum to help each student reach their full potential. Whether he is teaching 8th-grade math, leading a teen leadership class, or providing small-group instruction through Math Academic Intervention Services (AIS), Volz has sparked countless students’ interest in STEM. When students ask, “When are we ever going to use this stuff?”, he shows them the connection to future careers.

“I believe it is important for students to experience Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math not as separate topics, but rather as overlapping,” said Volz. “STEM emphasizes project-based hands-on learning by exposing students to real-world problems that help prepare students for future careers in STEM fields. In preparation for our missions at the Challenger Learning Center, I allow my students to explore the different ‘jobs’ that they will be required to fill.”

Beyond the classroom, Volz has also been a coach for more than 20 years, earning the admiration of parents, fellow teachers, colleagues, and students alike. He takes the time to mentor younger teachers, guiding them through the early stages of their careers. His impact helped him earn the 2004 Educator of the Year Award (Loranda Murray Innovation Award) and be a 2007 Allegany County Educator of the Year Finalist.

“The success of the next generation of innovators depends on educators who take learning to the next level by connecting with students and helping them discover their own potential,” said Kevin Harrell, Vice President of Education at Challenger Center. “David Volz has demonstrated a deep passion for showing students that STEM extends beyond the classroom and opens doors to opportunities that they may not have realized were possible.”

As part of the recognition, Volz received $1,500 to support STEM education at Cuba-Rushford Central School, which he plans to use for lab materials, rocket kits for students to participate in the annual Rocket Challenge, and to expand the competition to include additional grade levels. Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region also received $1,000 as the nominating Center.

About Challenger Center

As a leader in 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 critical fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.