Robert Carroll, from Plaza Middle School, and Camila Walck, from Princess Anne High School, are two of just five finalists in Virginia for the 2015 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

According to the Virginia Department of Education, the award is regarded as the nation’s top honor for mathematics and science teachers and recognizes teachers who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs that improve student learning.

Carroll and Walck were selected as finalists by VDOE selection committees who evaulated more than 150 nominated math and science teachers.

The winners will not be announced until next year, however, if selected Walck or Carroll will receive $10,000 as well as a trip to Washington D.C. for a presidential certificate.

he Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program was established by Congress in 1983 and authorizes the president to bestow awards each year to honor outstanding mathematics and science teachers in the 50 states, District of Columbia, federal territories, Puerto Rico and Department of Defense schools.