First recipients of Eureka! Teachers Awards announced

The RCW Eureka! Trust has announced that Gill McDonald, recently retired Head of Science at Scots College, Wellington and Dr Heather Meikle, Head of Biology and Extension at Palmerston North Girls High School are the two teachers who have been selected as the first recipients of the Eureka! Teachers Awards.

The Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of two teachers whose students have been engaged with the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Awards since their inception.

"The Board determined it was important to recognise the central role of teachers in the mission of the Eureka! programme as it seeks to increase young New Zealanders interest in STEM subjects and to foster young leaders who "through their knowledge of science, technology, engineering or mathematics, persuasive communication skills and their entrepreneurial vision will make "New Zealand, the most beautiful, stimulating and exciting place in the world in which to live", said Board Chair Dr Russ Ballard.

As a result of the encouragement of Gill McDonald and Heather Meikle the Alumni group now includes a significant number students and ex-students from each school who are doing a grand job continuing the mission of the RCW Eureka! Trust.

Both teachers will receive their Certificates and prize money of $2500 from the Governor-General, H.E. the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, at the Awards Dinner being held on Friday 8 September.