$500 teacher scholarships continue into 2012

By Ashlei Bockover, Marketing Specialist
bockovera@pitsco.com

In recognition of our 40th anniversary in 2011, Pitsco Education implemented a teacher scholarship award. We had so many great applicants that we brought the $500 Quarterly Scholarship back for 2012! Out of more than 100 applications from amazing and remarkable teachers and educators in 2011, a winner was selected each quarter.

Our first-quarter winner in 2011 was Colleen Ruiz from Albuquerque, NM. Mrs. Ruiz developed a new elementary science lab at her school where she guides 150 elementary students through inquiry-based, hands-on labs. Mrs. Ruiz used the gift certificate to purchase the Hot-Air Balloons Getting Started Package, and her students built the balloons in conjunction with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The second-quarter winner was Greg Capps from Neosho, MO. Mr. Capps teaches his students the value of an education in technology. He works with science and math teachers to offer students a STEM-based education. Mr. Capps used the gift certificate to purchase enough kits so that every student could take one home.

Our third-quarter winner was Tracie Overdorff from Tampa, FL. Mrs. Overdorff is committed to teaching hands-on physical science. She is constantly looking for new ways to capture her students’ attention. Mrs. Overdorff used her gift certificate to enhance her Energy Unit by purchasing solar car kits and enough balsa wood for students to create their own cars.

The final winner for the fourth quarter was Paul Healy from Leominster, MA. Mr. Healy is a math teacher and is always looking for hands-on, real-world connections to help his math students. Mr. Healy used his gift certificate to purchase necessary supplies to create a hands-on truss bridge project in math.

We are excited to review all the outstanding applications for 2012! It is a great way to get to know our teachers – our customers – better and learn about all of the wonderful things they are doing for our students, our children. To learn more and to apply for a 2012 scholarship, visit shop.pitsco.com/scholarship.