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Alumni Honors

Academic Games makes a difference in so many ways. Just look at how successful so many academic gamers have become.

We love to collect stories about the honors earned by AGLOA alums, coaches and players. These are just a few. If you know of more, please contact us.

Alum Cites Academic Games Influence
Dr. Tyrone Porter, from Detroit Renaissance High School, is the subject of an article in the University of Washington (Seattle) Bioengineering News. The writer refers to "the intellectual challenges and camaraderie" Tyrone found in academic games. See pages 4-5 of the article. [4/07]

AG Alum Wins 2007 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
Doris Voitier, superintendant of St. Bernard Parish schools, has been honored for her efforts to restart the school system within a few months of Hurricane Katrina. Doris was one of the five New Orleans players, from Mount Carmel Academy, who played in the first academic games national tournament in 1966. First as assistant superintendent and now as superintendent, she has also been instrumental in the development of academic games in her parish. Read an article about her Kennedy award. Furthermore, in August 2006 Doris was honored as the ABC News Person of the Week. [3/07]

AGLOA President Honored by His Alma Mater
Brother Neal Golden was presented the Gautrelet Award by Spring Hill College (Mobile). This award "recognizes an alumnus or non-alumnus of high integrity who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement." Pictures [3/07]

Former Player Receives Housing Justice Award
Julie Becker, who played at Renaissance in Detroit and then coached academic games, received the National Housing Law Project's Housing Justice Award in October 2006. This award is given nationally to an advocate for success in "tackling the systemic and often hostile obstacles that stand in the way of safe, decent and affordable housing for low-income and marginalized people." Julie is on the staff of The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia. [10/06]

Former Player Decorated by US Air Force

Steve Biernesser (Allegheney Valley, 1980 Outstanding Participant) recently retired from the USAF with a long list of medals and awards:

- F-22 Senior Military Engineer of the Year, 1997
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with Valor device)
- Air Force Achievement Medal (received twice)
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (received three times)
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Spotlight On: Todd Abronowitz

Todd Abronowitz [Waverly, MI, c. 1984] is among 110 educators nationwide receiving cash awards from Radio Shack Corporation

Fort Worth, Texas - May 1, 2003 - Radio Shack Corporation has presented a 2003 Radio Shack National Teacher Award (RSNTA) to Todd Abronowitz, science teacher at Creekview High School in Carrollton,Texas. Abronowitz received a $3,000 cash award, and was among 110 educators receiving Radio Shack National Teacher Awards this year for demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence in mathematics, science or technology.

In addition, Creekview High School will receive a $500 Radio Shack Tech Tool Grant. The school may use the grant to buy equipment, software or supplies to enhance the learning experience for students in the classroom.

"It is a great honor to be recognized, but the recognition is more about my students than me," Abronowitz said." The award provides positive affirmation that my teaching methods reach my students. After all, every teacher wants to know that they are making a difference to their students' lives."

Abronowitz, an educator for 13 years, teaches chemistry. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and history in 1989 from Eastern Michigan University. He received a master of science degree in chemistry in 1999 from Texas A&M University (Commerce).

In 2002, Abronowitz appeared in the book Top Texas Teachers. He has been named the 2000 Texas Chemistry Teacher of the year by the Association of Chemistry Teachers of Texas, the 1996 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, the 1995 Teacher of the Year for Garland ISD and the 1995 Teacher of the Year for South Garland High School. Abronowitz is a member of the Association of Chemistry Teachers of Texas, the Science Teachers Association of Texas and the Association of Texas Professional Educators.

"It is important for students to develop a love for learning, but if I can show students how to make connections, then I have taught my students far more than formulas or facts," Abronowitz said." I have taught them how to think for themselves. Watching them make these connections, reaching their potential and going beyond is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher."

"The Radio Shack National Teacher Awards program is Radio Shack's multiyear, multimillion dollar corporate citizenship effort to improve math, science and technology education," said Laura Moore, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Radio Shack Corporation. "By investing in teachers, Radio Shack is strengthening communities and ensuring that more American youth prosper. We are committed to rewarding and retaining quality teachers, which is essential to the continuing growth and prosperity of our nation."

"The Radio Shack National Teacher Awards help motivate talented professionals to develop innovative teaching methods to educate our children, because understanding math, science and technology is key to a successful future in any field," Moore said.

The National Teacher Awards program is funded by Radio Shack Corporation and is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The program is open to all accredited public and private high schools. A panel of distinguished educators selects the prize recipients.

For more information about the Radio Shack National Teacher Awards, visit the program's Web site at http://education.RadioShack.com/TeacherAwards .
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