Ocean Science Leadership Awards
Previous Winners
These teachers have been recognized for their leadership and exemplary service in marine science education.
2012
Commitment to Education Award
Debby West, Oak Park Unified School District in Oak Park, CA
Informal Teaching Excellence Award
David Meyer, Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach, CA
Formal Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. Jay Vavra, High Tech High in San Diego, CA
Early Career Award
Katherine Levensailor, University High School in Irvine, CA
2011
Formal Teaching Excellence Award
Bernice Krieger, Monroe High School
Informal Teaching Excellence Award
Jeri Nolan, Ocean Discovery Institute
Commitment to Education Award
Nancy Carus, Marine Biologist and Founder of Get Inspired!
Early Career Award
Kaleesha Washington, Lou Dantzler Preparatory
2010
Formal Teaching Excellence Award
Elementary Teacher
Steve Seal, Eshelman Avenue ElementaryMiddle School Teacher
Mia Kang, Lawrence Middle SchoolHigh School Teacher
Katharine M. Noonan, Oakland High School
Informal Teaching Excellence Award
Frances M. Kinney, Pro Peninsula Fund, The Ocean Foundation
Commitment to Education Award
Dr. George I. Matsumoto, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Early Career Award
Dr. David James, La Jolla High School
2009
Formal Teaching Award
Elementary Teacher
Susan Singh, Farmdale Elementary SchoolMiddle School Teacher
Jill Grace, Palos VerdesHigh School Teacher
Glen Baumbach, Lancaster High School
Informal Teaching Award
Dr. Marcus Eriksen and Anna Cummins, Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Commitment to Education Award
Larry Nordell, Retired, Mount Miguel High School
2008
Formal Teaching Award
Elementary Teacher
Pat McLinn, Columbia Elementary, LancasterMiddle School Teacher
Eric Harrington, St. Margarets Episcopal School, San Juan CapistranoHigh School Teacher
Mark C. McKay, Venture Academy, Delta VISTA Charter, Tracy
Informal Teaching Award
Linda Chilton, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro
Early Career Award
Jason Bram, Palo Verde Community College, Blythe
Commitment to Education Award
Renee Klein, Animo Venice Charter High School, Inglewood
2007
Formal Teaching Award
Elementary Teacher
Dena Deck, Stephen Foster Elementary School, BellflowerMiddle School Teacher
Oscar Espinoza, Roosevelt Middle School, ComptonHigh School Teacher
Andrew Stephens, CALS Early College High School, Los Angeles
Informal Teaching Award
Catherine Halversen, UC Berkley, Lawrence Hall of Science
Commitment to Education Award
Dr. Stan Batten, R/V Seaworld UCLA
Early Career Award
Benjamin Kay, Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica
2006
Informal Teaching Excellence Award
Lindsey Peavey: outreach and education coordinator for Pro Peninsula in San Diego
Formal Teaching Excellence Award
Jeff Manker: teacher at Gilroy High School
Early Career Excellence Award
Megan Donnelly: teacher at Tesoro High School
2005
Formal Teaching Award
Elementary Teacher
Laura Romo, Chavez Elementary, Long BeachMiddle School Teacher (Tie)
Scott Sperber, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, Reseda
Brigitte Steinmetz, John Adams Middle School, Santa MonicaHigh School Teacher
Robert Perry, Malibu High, Malibu
Early Career Award
Mark Friedman, Animo High, Inglewood
Informal Teaching: (Tie)
Maria Madrigal, SEA Lab, Redondo Beach
Amy Coppenger, Long Beach Aquarium
2004
Formal Teaching Award
Elementary Teacher
Maria Brunell, Riverside Elementary School
Anne Marie Wotkyns, Monlux Magnet Elementary School
Jennifer Trochez, Foshay Learning CenterMiddle School Teacher
Rachel Espinoza, Hollenbeck Middle School
Scott Sperber, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched StudiesHigh School Teacher
Steve Engelmann, Palisades High School
Ronald Ozuna, Roosevelt High School
Daniel McDonnell, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies