Capital High School math teacher Carol McKay has been recognized nationally with the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

McKay is one of only two award winners statewide selected from a field of five finalists named last fall. She represents Washington state as the math award winner, while a Lynwood middle school teacher is the science honoree. Nationwide, there are 107 winners honored this year.

The veteran educator is also the second Olympia School District teacher to win the national honor in the past five years. Reeves Middle School teacher Jana Dean received the award in the 2016-17 school year.

“It has always been my goal to help all students have opportunities to be successful mathematicians and to learn to love mathematics as I do,” McKay said. “The Presidential Award is an incredible honor. It recognizes the challenging yet rewarding work I do alongside my talented colleagues, with the support of district leadership. This award reinvigorates my desire for ongoing professional growth and teacher leader opportunities. I am thankful for the support and encouragement of my family in this profession.”

The Olympia School Board will honor McKay at its next regular meeting on Monday, August 24. The virtual meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom, and the recognition will take place near the start of the meeting. Zoom meeting links will be posted on the district website the Friday before the board meeting.

Read more about Carol and this high honor