Charlotte teacher selected as 2025 National STEM Scholar, 10 teachers selected nationwide
This is a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM training, national network building and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide. Created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University, the National STEM Scholar Program selects ten teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a 'big idea' Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available.
Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms, where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are being made. STEM Scholars convene on WKU's campus for a week of advanced STEM training and finalize their projects with input from their STEM Scholar class colleagues.
I believe STEM matters because it sparks curiosity and creativity in my students, giving them the tools to solve real-world problems while having fun along the way. Being part of the National STEM Scholar Program is thrilling because it connects me with passionate educators across the country who understand that middle school is where lifelong STEM decisions are made. I can't wait to bring fresh ideas back to my classroom and watch my students' eyes light up when they discover the joy of scientific discovery.
Aprille' Morris-Butler
The Gatton Academy will host the 2025 National STEM Scholar class from May 25 to May 31 on the campus of WKU in Bowling Green:
Melanie Davis Hardy (Bentonia, Miss.) – Yazoo County Middle School (Yazoo City, Miss.)
Lalita Khemka (Katy, Texas) – Cardiff Junior High School
Renae Lewis (Salmon, Idaho) – Salmon Junior/Senior High School
Aprille' Morris-Butler (Charlotte, N.C.) – Trinity Episcopal School
Yevgeny Pevzner (West Valley City, Utah) – Kearns Junior High School (Kearns, Utah)
Joshua Reese (Hazelwood, Mo.) – Ferguson Middle School (Ferguson, Mo.)
Jo Slavitz (Hampton Falls, N.H.) – Dover Middle School (Dover, N.H.)
Tracy Vassiliev (Bangor, Maine) – James F. Doughty School
Michael Vigeant (Lafayette, Tenn.) – Macon County Junior High School
Alexandria Wicker (Melbourne, Fla.) – DeLaura Middle School (Satellite Beach, Fla.)
Now in its 10th year, there are 100 National STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 37 states. 93% teach in public schools, 44% teach in mid- to high-poverty schools, and 39% teach in communities with a population under 15,000.
By June 2026, National STEM Scholars will have directly and indirectly impacted more than 190,000 middle school students in the U.S.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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