Stehlik Intermediate School Teacher Receives Houston Museum of Natural Science Teaching Award
Mycael Parks (second from left) enjoys meeting Dr. Zahi Hawass (center). With her are Tracy Mansfield (fourth from left) and Ann Stockwell (far right).
[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]T[/dropcap]eacher Mycael Parks from [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Stehlik Intermediate School is smiling a lot these days. The Houston Museum of Natural Science staff and Board of Trustees selected her for a prestigious honor. She received the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching Award.
The Museum recognized Parks for her leadership ability and her connection with students. The HMNS also noted her ability to simplify difficult science concepts.
Christi van Wassenhove couldn’t be happier for Parks. She is the principal at [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Stehlik Intermediate School.
“She is deserving of the award,” said van Wassenhove. “She knows how to get the students excited about science. And she knows how to engage the students. We are all proud of her accomplishment.“
The HMNS recently honored educators at the Excellence in Science Luncheon held at the Houston Country Club. An endowment fund established by The Cockrell Foundation made the Awards possible. These include the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Excellence Awards in Science and Math as well as the Evelyn S. Frensley Outstanding Student Awards in Science and Math.
Parks and fellow winner Dr. Thomas Heilman of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School of Houston attended. They each received an award and check during the luncheon. Ernest D. Cockrell and HMNS President Joel A. Bartsch were both present.
The world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass was the featured speaker at the luncheon. Hawass is the former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities. He led excavations at Giza, Saqqara, Bahariya Oasis, and the Valley of the Kings.
Hawass inspired both adults and students in the audience.
“Passion,” said Hawass. “You can like anything. You can love anything. But if you give your passion to anything, you make it great.“
Parks, a fifth grade teacher, stated the award has been a humbling experience.
Mycael Parks stands with Ernest D. Cockrell (l) and HMNS President Joel A. Bartsch (r).
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” Parks said. “There are so many hard-working teachers in the Houston area. The Museum has recognized us all with this honor.
“It is a privilege to teach. I hope to inspire my students to pursue science in their future. Honestly, I am fortunate to work with teachers and administrators who support STEM education.”
Tracy Mansfield and Ann Stockwell joined Parks at the luncheon. Stockwell is the assistant superintendent who oversees intermediate campuses. Mansfield is the program director of elementary/intermediate science.
Each year, the Museum names only one elementary teacher and one secondary educator in Harris County for the prestigious honor.
About the Author: Leticia Fehling
