ST. LOUIS, MO.–May 18, 2023
Saint Louis Science Center’s Annual Award Honors Five St. Louis Area Educators in 2023
The Saint Louis Science Center announces that Amanda Thouvenot, a teacher at Hoech Middle School within the Ritenour School District, is the 2023 recipient of the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Carol Loeb, who created the prize with her late husband Jerome, and Science Center President and CEO Todd Bastean recognized Thouvenot and four finalists during an award ceremony today at the Science Center.
“The Saint Louis Science Center congratulates Amanda Thouvenot, and all our finalists, for sparking curiosity in math and science learning,” said Bastean. “We are proud to continue the 28-year partnership with the Loeb family on this prize that honors outstanding teachers. We know that STEM education is critical in preparing students for success in future careers and appreciate these educators’ efforts to inspire the next generation.”
Along with Thouvenot, the additional 2023 honorees are:
- 2nd Place: Dr. Dawn Johnson, Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis
- Runner-Up: Nora LaFata, Lindbergh High School
- Runner-Up: Kevin Rudzinski, St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres
- Runner-Up: Jaclyn Zieger, Valley Park Middle School
“Doing science in hands-on ways enhances student performance tremendously,” Thouvenot remarked about her teaching style. “It not only gets students excited and passionate about STEM, but it also gives students, who otherwise struggle, a closer look at what these big concepts are like on a small scale.”
About the Loeb Prize
“Great teachers generate a love for learning that enables their students to accomplish amazing things,” said Carol Loeb, who has been teaching high school math more for than 60 years. “Through their actions inside and outside the classroom, our award winners display the personal commitment it takes to ensure the well-being of their students. I am honored to recognize innovative teaching styles each year and highlight special educators who are preparing their students to become leaders.”
Established in 1995 and endowed in 2002 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, 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 may nominate their outstanding teachers for the award next year by calling (314) 289-4680.
About the Saint Louis Science Center
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, the award-winning Science Center engages guests through on-site experiences, including hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the OMNIMAX® Theater, which is one of just nine IMAX® Dome with Laser theaters in the world, and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium featuring the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the organization provides informal educational programming to schools and other organizations in the St. Louis community and is home to the nationally recognized Youth Exploring Science (YES) program, which works with underserved teens throughout their high school years to prepare them for in-demand STEM careers. For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.
For more information, or to schedule interviews with Science Center personnel, contact
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager.
Email or call 314.289.4461
