Jeff Estes, Co-Director for Washington State LASER and Manager for the Office of Science and Engineering Education (SEE) at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy, was recently awarded the Golden Gavel Award by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) in recognition of exceptional service contributing to the enhancement of public education in Washington.

The Golden Gavel is WASA's most prestigious award. It is presented to an "individual, group, association, or firm for making an outstanding contribution to public education in Washington:" a contributuioin that has "statewide application and is of lasting value." The Golden Gavel is shared by Jeffrey C. Estes and the Pacifici Northweat National Laboratory (PNNL) operated by Battelle for the US. Department of Energy.

Battelle Earns AWSP President's Award

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, also known as Battelle, earned the 2011 AWSP President’s Award for its work on the STEM Training Program. Battelle’s participation has so far prepared nearly 50 principals and their staff to better implement STEM lessons in their schools.

John Westerman (pictured at left), president of AWSP for 2010-2011, presented the award to Jeff Estes at the WASA/AWSP Summer Conference in Spokane in June 2011. “Battelle has given countless staff hours, materials and expertise to this effort,” said Westerman, principal at Eastmont Junior High in Wenatchee. “In addition, they gave two $10,000 grants that were instrumental in helping us secure an $80,000 public grant from OSPI. And, we have 60 principals and other staff signed up to participate in the next round of training. Our success would not have been possible were it not for Battelle."

Images and release courtesy of Battelle.