2025 SMT Center Celebration

North Carolina SMT Center Honors Excellence in STEM Education at 2025 Gala

DURHAM, N.C. — The North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (SMT Center) proudly celebrated North Carolina’s finest educators, students, and community partners at the 2025 Celebration of Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Gala, held April 26 at the Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham/RTP Hotel.

The evening highlighted the annual SMT Center Awards, recognizing extraordinary contributions to advancing science, mathematics, and technology education across the state. Honorees represented outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation in classrooms, community programs, and industry partnerships.

2025 SMT Center Award Recipients Included:

Business & Industry Award

Vulcan Materials Company— for supporting hands-on earth and environmental science education.

Partnership Award

Caldwell County Economic Development — for connecting teachers and students to career pathways in their communities.

Student Leader Award

Haley Evenson of Apex Friendship High School — for inspiring younger students to pursue STEM passions through hands-on learning.

K-8 Outstanding Educator Award

Megan Lovins of Hudson Elementary School — for fostering critical thinking and creativity in STEM education.

9-16 Outstanding Educator Award

Ashton Allgood-Batten of Richlands High School — for excellence in STEM instruction at the secondary level.

Outstanding Instructional Leader Award

Dr. Jennifer Redfearn, Ed.D. of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching — for creating impactful professional development opportunities for STEM educators.

Outstanding Informal Educator Award

Rob Condon, Founder of Young Scientists Academy — for cultivating passion for scientific discovery through real-world learning experiences.

Champion of Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education

Major General Tom Braaten (Ret.) — for extraordinary community leadership in supporting STEM education initiatives.

“Each of these honorees exemplifies what is possible when passion for STEM education meets dedication and creativity,” said Dr. Sam Houston, President and CEO of the NC SMT Center. “Their work not only prepares our students for the future but also strengthens the economic and civic fabric of North Carolina.”

In addition to the SMT Awards, the event also celebrated student achievements in STEM competitions statewide and honored outstanding K-12 educators supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Career Awards for STEM Teachers.

The SMT Center remains committed to Strategies That Engage Minds®, recognizing that STEM education is critical to building essential skills for success in the 21st century. For more information about the NC SMT Center and the full list of 2025 award recipients, visit www.ncsmt.org.