According to the Geauga County Maple Leaf, the Ohio Academy of Science has recognized St. Mary School in Chardon with a Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research.
Chardon Middle School also received the award, making the two the only Geauga County schools selected this year. Statewide, 77 schools and 1,249 teachers were recognized for work during the 2025-26 school year. At St. Mary, fourteen teachers were honored: Ashly Wojton, Ericka Cardenas, Korina Miljak, LeeAnn Tamburrino, Linda Flynn, Marie Lisachenko, Mary Glauser, Matthew Nigro, Megan McVicker, Megan Tracy, Patrick Gannon, Rachel Arthur, Sarah Allin, and Teri Merkle.
Each school receives a certificate, and each teacher receives a complimentary Ohio Academy of Science membership. To qualify, a school must host a local science fair with at least 12 students, send two or more to Regional Science Day, and involve students in at least one additional science opportunity outside the classroom.
The awards began in 1985 and recognize schools and teachers that encourage student research, technological design, and learning beyond traditional classroom activities. Michael E. Woytek, the academy’s executive director, said the honors celebrate schools and teachers that prepare students for the future.