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2024 June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award Presented to STEAM Middle Science Teacher

Gina Pereda, an eighth-grade integrated science teacher at STEAM Academy Middle School 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-STL. 

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."

Provided by Challenger Learning Center.