by Rachel Prindel

Bishop Leibold School received the Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) Edison Award for the 10th consecutive year, the only elementary school in the Miami Valley with such a streak, securing their position as a science powerhouse with the two prestigious awards won over the last several weeks from the OAS.

Bishop Leibold School is one of only four schools in Ohio to win both the OAS Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM education and the Harold Shaw Outstanding School Award for State Science Fair results in the same year.

“These awards really speak to our exceptional students, staff and related programming,” said Dr. Theodore Wallace, principal of Bishop Leibold. “This double win in science and STEM is an incredible achievement.”

The Harold C. Shaw Memorial Outstanding School Award is given to schools with the highest team score at State Science Day. Bishop Leibold is one of just seven public and private elementary schools across the state to receive the Shaw Award and the only elementary school in the greater Dayton area. This year, eight Bishop Leibold students comprised a virtual State Science Fair team.

Carroll High School in Dayton also received the prestigious Harold C. Shaw Memorial Award.

The OAS Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM education award recognizes schools that exhibit excellence in this area of learning. The Ohio Academy of Science defines STEM education as both the mastery and integration of science technology, engineering, and mathematics for all pre-K-12 students. STEM incorporates scientific inquiry and technological design through student-focused, project-based curricula to develop skills of communication, teamwork/ collaboration, creativity / innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Bishop Leibold has received the award for 10 consecutive years, and they are the only grade school in the greater Dayton area to do so. Other greater Dayton area Catholic schools to receive this honor this year include Archbishop Alter High School and Carroll High School.

This article appeared in the October edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.