The Ohio Academy of Science recently selected 40 Ohio schools to receive The Governor's Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Education and Student Research.

The Governor’s Thomas Edison Award was established in 1985 and recognizes Ohio schools and educators who promote scientific student research and hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond conventional classroom activities. Three of our 50 diocesan schools were honored with this prestigious award for the 2023-24 school year: Mount Vernon St. Vincent de Paul, Chillicothe Bishop Flaget and Lancaster St. Mary schools.

Mount Vernon St. Vincent de Paul students participated in a school science fair and in the District 4 Science Day at Ashland University. Photo courtesy Office of Catholic Schools

At St. Vincent de Paul, the science curriculum is inquiry-based and employs hands-on activities and projects such as bottle rocks and hydraulic arm building. 

A science fair was held for all students in sixth through eighth grade. The judges at the fair included engineers from Ariel Corporation (a leading producer of separable reciprocating gas compressors for the energy industry), employees from Battelle (an independent nonprofit organization that advances science and technology) and Kenyon College students majoring in science. 

Among 46 student participants, 25 received superior ratings and 21 received excellent ratings. Twenty-five students chose to participate in the District 4 Science Day at Ashland University with eight of them receiving a superior rating.  

Bishop Flaget, honored for the 17th consecutive year with The Governor’s Thomas Edison Award, also hosted a science fair for the students in sixth through eighth grade. Forty-eight participated with 19 receiving superior ratings. The science fair was judged by qualified volunteers from local STEM partners including Kenworth Truck Company, Corcoran Farms and Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth LLC as well as retired military personnel.  

Nineteen students also participated in the Southeast District Science Fair sponsored by Ohio University and the Ohio Academy of Science, resulting in 10 receiving superior ratings and nine receiving excellent ratings. In addition to the Science Fair, students from different grade levels participated in activities, including a pumpkin investigation, invention convention and agricultural awareness day. 

Lancaster St. Mary School students work on a project. Photo courtesy Office of Catholic Schools

At St. Mary School’s science fair, 46 seventh- and eighth-grade students participated. Judges at the science fair included members of the local community from a variety of backgrounds, including health, education, technology, nutrition and agriculture.  

Of the students who participated, six advanced to District 8 Science Day, where all were honored with excellent or superior ratings. Three students who received superior ratings advanced to the state competition, and two were among a select group of individuals who received a superior rating at the state competition. 

Students at St. Mary also participate in a STEM elective and practice buddy science activities, 3D printing, topography and glacier studies through the use of augmented reality.  

Anita Yaple received St. Mary’s teacher award. 

“I am grateful for this recognition, but it is really the student’s hard work, perseverance and dedication that has resulted in many incredible achievements,” she said. “Science opens the door to a world of possibilities that incorporate critical thinking, investigation and curiosity.  Being a part of this process is not only rewarding but also exciting.”

Through the use of science, technology, engineering and math, students receive an opportunity to grow academically and spiritually. Helping students understand the incredible connection between faith and science is an important component of what we strive to accomplish in Our Catholic Schools, and we are proud of the innovative ways our schools meet this goal.