Award Celebrating its 30th Anniversary Recognizes Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics
ST. LOUIS, MO – May 15, 2025 – Program founder Carol B. Loeb and the Saint Louis Science Center awarded Pattonville High School science teacher Amy Schwendemann with the 30th 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 in 1995 — and Science Center President and CEO Dr. Ray Vandiver recognized Schwendemann and four finalists during an award ceremony this morning in the Science Center’s James S. McDonnell Planetarium.
“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 for more than 60 years. “As we celebrate the 30th Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, we recognize these dedicated teachers who inspire their students to be curious and engaged in science and mathematics. It is my privilege to recognize these outstanding teachers for shaping tomorrow’s STEM leaders, today.”
Along with Schwendemann, the additional 2025 honorees are:
- 2nd Place: Ryan Gibbs, Hancock Middle School in the Hancock Place School District
- Runner-Up: Karen Betz, Crestview Middle School in the Rockwood School District
- Runner-Up: Jennifer Ronzio, Queen of All Saints School in South St. Louis County
- Runner-Up: Zachary Wangler, Rogers Middle School in the Affton School District
“As our world continues to evolve rapidly, students must excel not only in their academic fields but also in 21st-century skills,” Schwendemann remarked upon receiving the award. “My ultimate goal is for my students to leave my class with the confidence to embark on the next chapter of their lives.”
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 may nominate their outstanding teachers for the award next year by calling 314-289-4680.
The Saint Louis Science Center offers free admission to all guests and is open to the public Thursdays through Mondays. For more information about the Science Center, please visit slsc.org or call 314-289-4400.
Contact:
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager
Email or call 314.289.4461
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, which was recently named America’s Best Planetarium by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.
(From left to right: Karen Betz, Crestview Middle School; Jennifer Ronzio, Queen of All Saints School; Amy Schwendemann, Pattonville High School; Dr. Ray Vandiver, Saint Louis Science Center CEO/President; Carol Loeb, co-creator of the Loeb Prize; Ryan Gibbs, Hancock Middle School; and Zachary Wangler, Rogers Middle School)
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