A Brookhaven teacher is one of only six state-level finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching 2022-2023.

Brookhaven Technical Center’s Leah Ann H. Peavey is among the three science teacher finalists. Peavey has taught for 28 years.

“For our students to achieve excellence, we must expect excellence from them and exemplify excellence for them,” Peavey said.

The PAEMST program is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of mathematics, science, technology, engineering and computer science education.

Two of the finalists will be selected for the PAEMST award. National honorees will each receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, recognition at a White House ceremony, and the opportunity to provide input on policies to improve science, tech, engineering, math and computer science education.

The other two science finalists are Deborah D. Neel of Greene County High School, and Kandice Patrice Taylor of Brinkley Middle School, Jackson Public School District.

The three math finalists are Judith Worley Terry of Center Hill High School, DeSoto County School District; Karen Lindsey of Germantown Middle School, Madison County School District; and Kelly Meacham Hicks, of Germantown High School, Madison County.

The award, established by Congress in 1983, recognizes teachers with deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation’s teaching corps, and demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.

Each year, PAEMST alternates between recognizing K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers. The 2023-2024 cycle will award K-6 teachers.