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Wooster High School Teacher Named “Outstanding STEM Educator of the Year”: Society of Women Engineers recognizes Raymond Swigart for outstanding work with students
Wooster High School Teacher Named “Outstanding STEM Educator of the Year”
Society of Women Engineers recognizes Raymond Swigart for outstanding work with students
Reno, NV (April 29, 2021)— Longtime Wooster High School teacher Ray Swigart has been named the Outstanding STEM Educator of the Year by the Society of Women Engineers. The annual award is given to an extraordinary individual who mentors and supports young women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Swigart is a multi-generation Nevadan who can trace his family lineage in Northern Nevada to the 19870Es. A veteran of the US Air Force, Nevada Air Guard, and Nevada Army Guard, he graduated from the University of Nevada with a bachelor’s degree in education with a major in biological science and a minor in earth science. His entire 23-year career has been spent at Wooster High School, where he has taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology Standard Level, IB Biology Higher Level, IB Design Technology Standard Level (a design and engineering class), Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, AP Environmental Science, and AP Seminar which is part of the AP Capstone Program that he helped launch at Wooster High School.He also coaches Academic Olympics, was the student government advisor, and announces the football games.
He accepted the award during the Night of STEM Stars on April 14.
Several former students submitted testimonials about Swigart’s encouragement and support during their time in his classes.
“Receiving this award from the Sierra Nevada Section of Society of Women Engineers was an honor,” said Swigart. “It is particularly significant because I was nominated by former students. Teaching IB has allowed me to teach some of the most amazing students to attend WCSD schools. The number of my former students that have passed through the IB program and went on to stem careers as astounding – M.D.'s, Ph.D.'s, university professors, research scientists, engineers, and many other endeavors. I have realized over the years that my students arrive as diamonds and I help them shine brighter. It is especially gratifying that those diamonds appreciate my efforts on their behalf.”
“It was clear to us, when he was nominated by two previous Society of Women Engineers Sierra Nevada Section (SWE SNS) Merit Award winners from Wooster, that Mr. Swigart has made and is making a lasting impact on their lives and inspires young women to pursue STEM careers,” said Seena Drapala, president of the SWE SNS. “It was an easy decision to recognize him for all his outstanding efforts.”
“Mr. Swigart has inspired numerous Wooster graduates who have gone on to excel to some amazing STEM degrees and professions,” said Wooster Principal Leah Keuscher. “Their fond appreciation for Mr. Swigart’s dedication and knowledge has deservingly earned him this award. I congratulate Mr. Swigart for making such a difference in the lives of his students, and I am honored to call him my colleague.”
The nominations were submitted by former student Rachell Winsett and current student Tylee Kareck:
Rachel Winsett wrote: “Mr. Swigart was such a positive influence on me and so many of my peers at Wooster High School. He was always supportive and encouraging and made sure he did everything he could to help us succeed. It was through a project for his biology class that I discovered my interest in microbiology, which I am now close to completing my degree at West Virginia University. I am very grateful for Mr. Swigart's patience and encouraging words during that experiment and in my high school education as a whole, and I'm glad he is being honored for all he does supporting women in the STEM field.”
Wooster High School Senior Tylee Kareck wrote: “Mr. Swigart is a very recognizable positive influence at Wooster High School. He consistently steps up and does so much to support students however he can. He encourages hard work and helps students build positive skills not only in STEM but also in academia and general self-improvement. I am grateful for his consistent contributions to students and the IB Programme and his willingness to help. His patience and dedication to his work make him not only a role model but also a reliable teacher and one of the most supportive people at Wooster. I think he absolutely deserves to be honored for his dedication and consistent support of all students.”
About The Society of Women Engineers (SWE): The group is more than 70 years old and the SWE Sierra Nevada Section (SWE SNS) celebrated the 20th anniversary of its charter on April 14. SWE SNS has been celebrating young women in STEM since 2014 in a celebration called ‘Night of the STEM Stars’.
The video recording is available at https://www.swebanquet.org/ SWE SNS looks for educators who are inspiring young women and making an impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields.
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