Keith Leonard, a physics teacher at the Governor’s STEM and Technology Academy at Landstown High School, was doubly honored as he was named 2015 local and statewide STEM Teacher of the Year in the Air Force Association’s (AFA) Aerospace Education Awards.

“Growing up I was always asking how things work and was the kid who took things apart to see what was inside,” said Leonard. “In high school and college, I had wonderful math and physics teachers who challenged me and taught me the concepts to understand how things work. Today, I try to give to my students what my teachers gave me in order to prepare them for our technology driven society. I feel very fortunate to be working in an exciting era in which the advancements in technology have been great.”

Leonard was surprised in his classroom by AFA representatives and administrators from the school and the Department of Teaching and Learning.

According to Reginald Burgess, president of AFA Tidewater Chapter 242, Leonard was awarded in recognition of his contributions as an outstanding STEM teacher and superior example of excellence in teaching science. He engages his students through end of the year projects like producing a paper rollercoaster, creating a miniature hovercraft, or designing and building a solar power car. His students have won NASA’s international What if? competition and have placed second in the National Kid Wind competition.

Leonard is now in the running for the AFA 2015 National STEM Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations are now also in order for Rosemont Forest fifth-grade teacher Brad Ward.  Ward was also named a local winner, and received an Air Force Association Tidewater Chapter’s Teacher of the Year award.

The Air Force Association is dedicated to ensuring America’s aerospace excellence and supports K-12 teachers who specialize in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM fields).