Charles County Public Schools Superintendent James E. Richmond, center, accepts the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award from Dr. Stephen Feldman, president and CEO of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (left), and Elliot Pulham, Chief Executive Officer of the Space Foundation (right). (Submitted photo)
LA PLATA, Md. (May 12, 2011) — Superintendent James E. Richmond recently accepted a citation from the Charles County Commissioners and commendations from the Charles County Board of Education for winning the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award.
Richmond accepted the award at the National Space Symposium on April 11 for his work in the area of educational technology. Presented by Dr. Stephen Feldman, president and CEO of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Richmond has also been recognized locally for his work and vision in creating a nationally recognized science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program for Charles County Public Schools students.
“Before looking at Mr. Richmond’s nomination, we set the bar for excellence higher because he is a superintendent. In every instance, he far exceeded the elevated standard. The work he has done on behalf of the children in Charles County Public Schools is the standard all school districts should strive toward,” Feldman said. “A long-time advocate for STEM education, James Richmond has made a lasting impact on tens of thousands of students,” he added.
In accepting the award, Richmond said, “I am proud to accept the Alan Shepard award on behalf of the students and teachers of Charles County Public Schools. This award is for all those children who think they can’t learn math and science and for the teachers who show them it’s possible. … Accepting an award named for this noble astronaut – and on behalf of Charles County Public Schools – is both humbling and an honor.”
On May 3, the Charles County Commissioners presented Richmond with an official citation for his “passion, inspiration, and leadership efforts in cultivating strong science, technology, engineering and math programs and partnerships within Charles County Schools.”
The Board of Education, on May 10, also recognized Richmond. Board Chairman Roberta Wise said, “While this award is recognition of the hard work of many in creating and delivering a nationally recognized STEM program, we all know where the vision began. Mr. Richmond has for years worked to not only improve math and science instruction, but he has done it with vision and excitement and encouraged hands-on experiences and student success.”
The Space Foundation, in partnership with the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) and NASA, annually presents the Alan Shepard award for outstanding contributions made by K-12 educators or district level personnel to educational technology. The award recognizes excellence in the development and application of technology in the classroom or to the professional development of teachers. The award is presented annually at the National Space Symposium. Alan Shepard was a naval aviator and astronaut who was the first American in space and the fifth person to walk on the Moon.
Source: Charles County Public Schools