BROOKHAVEN — It is with great joy the Brookhaven School District announced one of its teachers was named the national recipient of the 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Brookhaven’s Leah Ann Peavey is one of 336 Americans and six Mississippians recognized by President Joe Biden with the award. 

Each year one math and one science teacher per state is recognized with the PAEMST award. Three years of winners, 2021-2023, were announced by the White House. Peavey said she found out by email that she had won Monday. .

“I don’t know how to describe it,” Peavey said. “I’m extremely honored and humbled by the selection. I know some of the other teachers who were finalists. I feel very honored to have been selected.”

Peavey said she found out she was nominated in August 2022 via email. Rachel Powell, a Speech and language pathologist for the district and parent, had nominated her for the award. She decided to work on and turn in an application in the spring of 2023. In April 2023, she learned she was a finalist for the award. 

According to a press release from the White House, nominees completed a rigorous application process in order to demonstrate their knowledge of content and demonstrate the ability to teach to a wide range of students. Peavey said the application was an arduous process. 

Distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators assess the nominations before recommending awardees. 

“Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education,” the press release states. 

Peavey will receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, an all-expenses paid trip to a recognition event and access to an alumni network with opportunities to develop partnerships with colleagues across the nation. 

She is a teacher at the Brookhaven Technical Center where she teaches polymer science. In the summer, Peavey leads the Brookhaven School District’s STEM Enrichment Camp for third and fourth grade students. 

She has taught for 30 years with 21 of those spent in the Brookhaven School District. 

“I really had no idea when it was going to happen. I’m just again really excited, honored and humbled,” Peavey said. “I’m excited to represent my school, district and our state on a national level. It is really exciting.”