Hazelwood West’s Christy Lewis Selected as 2026 Loeb Prize Winner Among Five Finalists
ST. LOUIS, MO – May 21, 2026 – The Saint Louis Science Center shared today that Christy Lewis, a mathematics and computer science teacher from Hazelwood West High School, is the 2026 recipient of the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Carol Loeb — who 31 years ago created the prize with her late husband Jerry — and Science Center President/CEO Dr. Ray Vandiver recognized Lewis and four finalists during an award ceremony this morning.
“It takes special people to shine as STEM educators and inspire their students to become future leaders,” said Carol Loeb, who has been teaching high school math for more than 60 years. “It is my privilege to honor these dedicated teachers with the 31st Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics in recognition for their innovative styles and personal commitments igniting their students’ love for learning.”
“It takes special people to shine as STEM educators and inspire their students to become future leaders,” said Carol Loeb, who has been teaching high school math for more than 60 years. “It is my privilege to honor these dedicated teachers with the 31st Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics in recognition for their innovative styles and personal commitments igniting their students’ love for learning.”
Along with Lewis, the additional 2026 honorees are:
- 2nd Place: Christian Viernes, Hazelwood Central High School
- Finalist: Benjamin Martin, Little Creek Nature Area, Ferguson-Florissant School District
- Finalist: April Grob, Johnson-Wabash Sixth Grade Center, Ferguson-Florissant School District
- Finalist: Heather Beasley, Northview Elementary, Jennings School District
“I value relationship building and an inclusive, equitable approach to learning because students perform at their highest levels when they feel seen, valued and supported,” Lewis shared when discussing her teaching philosophy. “These strong bonds create the foundation for risk-taking and growth, and equity ensures that every student — regardless of background, identity or ability — has meaningful access to rigorous learning opportunities. I recognize that students learn differently, and my goal is to teach so that they feel comfortable in the way they are learning.”
About the Loeb Prize
Endowed by a generous gift from the Loeb family, the Loeb Prize celebrates St. Louis Metropolitan Area teachers who significantly enhance their students’ performance in science and mathematics. The Loeb family developed the prize to demonstrate their dedication to teaching professionals and elevate public appreciation for teachers who inspire the next generation. Mr. Loeb, a former chairman of the board of the May Department Stores Company, was a member of the Science Center’s Board of Trustees and chaired its Board of Commissioners. Mrs. Loeb currently serves on the Science Center’s Board of Trustees.
To qualify for nomination, instructors must teach math or science in grades 6-12 at a St. Louis area public or private school and spend at least 50 percent of their time working with students in the classroom. Principals and department heads from eligible districts may nominate their outstanding teachers for the award next year by calling (314) 289-4680 or visiting slsc.org/education/loeb-prize/.
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The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, America’s Best Free Museum by Newsweek in 2025, and one of America’s Best Science Museums by USA Today, the award-winning Science Center engages guests through on-site experiences, including hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the OMNIMAX® Theater, which is one of the only IMAX® Dome with Laser theaters in the world, and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, ranked among America’s Best Planetariums by USA Today. For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.
Contact:
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager
314.289.4461
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