Saint Louis Science Center awards five local teachers at ceremony
ST. LOUIS, MO – May 12, 2022
The Saint Louis Science Center is proud to announce that Tanya Bergantz of Selvidge Middle School in the Rockwood School District is the 2022 recipient of the Saint Louis Science Center and Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Bergantz and four finalists received their awards today at a ceremony at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium.
“I am honored for the opportunity to recognize these finalists for the dedication in preparing their students to become the STEM leaders of the future. These teachers demonstrate expertise in their subject areas, innovative teaching styles including the use of technology, and personal commitment to the overall well-being of their students,” said Carol Loeb, who has been teaching high school math for 59 years. She and her husband, the late Jerome T. Loeb, established the Loeb Prize in 1995 at the Science Center.
This year’s other winners are:
- 2nd Place: J. Arthur Wilde, Bayless High School
- Runner Up: Andrew Davis, Saint Louis Priory School
- Runner Up: Amie Grage, Hancock Place High School
- Runner Up: Sherri Johanns, Andrews Academy-Creve Coeur
The Loeb Prize, endowed in 2002 by a generous gift from the Loeb family, honors teachers who significantly enhance their students’ performance in science and mathematics. The late Mr. Loeb worked for the May Department Stores Company, retiring as chairman of the board. He also served as chairman of the Science Center’s Board of Commissioners and a member of the Board of Trustees. Carol Loeb, who serves on the organization’s Board of Trustees, presided over today’s awards ceremony along with Todd Bastean, president and CEO, and Andrea Durham, chief officer for science and education.
“The Saint Louis Science Center is honored to continue a 27-year partnership with the Loeb family to recognize outstanding teachers throughout the St. Louis area,” Bastean said. “Engaging students in STEM learning is critical in preparing students for the future, and the Loeb Prize is a wonderful way to honor teachers who are going above and beyond in inspiring the next generation.”
About the Loeb Prize
The Saint Louis Science Center and Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, established in 1995 and endowed in 2002 by a gift from Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb, honors effective teaching as a central component of quality education. It is one way in which the Loeb family and the Science Center demonstrate their dedication to teaching professionals and elevate public appreciation for teachers’ efforts. The late Jerome Loeb, former chairman of the board of the May Department Stores Company, was a member of the Saint Louis Science Center’s Board of Trustees and chaired its Board of Commissioners. Carol Loeb is a math teacher and currently serves on the Saint Louis Science Center’s Board of Trustees.
Saint Louis Science Center
The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning. Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, the Saint Louis Science Center features more than 700 interactive exhibits, as well as a five-story OMNIMAX® Theater, Boeing Hall and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium.
For more information, contact:
Mindy Peirce
email
