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Writer's pictureHawaiʻi State Senate

Excellence Awards in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering

The recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) were announced yesterday.

Recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching:


Richard Brian Ogawa, Kanoelani Elementary School Daphne Okunaga, Pearl City High School Daniel Taira, Lehua Elementary School Nel Venzon Jr., Mililani High School

Awardees come from schools in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, and schools in the United States territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.  Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.  The individuals and organizations announced today are 2017 and 2018 Awardees.


Presidential award for K-12 teachers

Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science.

A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the State and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to OSTP.  Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

The Nation's highest honors for mentors who work with underrepresented groups to develop fully the Nation's human resources in STEM
The Nation's highest honors for mentors who work with underrepresented groups to develop fully the Nation's human resources in STEM

Presidential award for STEM mentors

PAESMEM recognizes the critical roles mentors play outside the traditional classroom setting in the academic and professional development of the future STEM workforce.

Colleagues, administrators, and students nominate individuals and organizations for exemplary mentoring sustained over a minimum of five years.  Since 1995, PAESMEM has honored the hard work and dedication which mentors exhibit in broadening participation in the STEM pipeline.


Mentors support learners from kindergarten through the collegiate levels, as well as those who recently started their careers in STEM.  Mentors share their expertise and guidance with learners, sometimes through formal mentoring programs.  Learners are often from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM.


About the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) : https://www.paesmem.net/about




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