Laurent named Texas Air Force Association’s State Teacher of the Year

BY AMANDA SADLER

circulation@olneyenterprise.com

Olney High School (OHS) teacher Sabrina Laurent was honored as the Texas Air Force Association’s State Teacher of the Year on Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Wellington Banquet & Conference Center in Wichita Falls, Texas. Laurent teaches science and physics classes at Olney High School.

“She is being honored for her efforts and accomplishments in motivating her students to national prominence in STEM activities,” said Mike Winslow, Texas Air Force Association President.

It all began when OHS Princial Matt Caffey asked Laurent to take on the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s Aviation Design Challenge, thinking that, with her workload, that she would say no. But she said yes. Laurent selected four students and embarked on an adventure, and earned first place out of 93 teams. The grand prize included a two-week all-expenses-paid trip to the Glasair Plant in Seattle, Washington, where her students had the opportunity to build a plane.

Laurent graduated from Texas A&M in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in coaching. She holds a Texas Teaching Certificate and is certified to teach composite science in grades eight through twelve, computer science grades eight through twelve, life science in grades eight through twelve, and physical education through twelfth grade.

“I absolutely love science and enjoy inspiring young minds to think critically, and analyze the world around them to develop their own opinions and solutions,” Laurent said on the Olney ISD website.“Iachievethisintheclassroombymodeling and instilling a generous work ethic and teaching students how to set and reach their goals. Other concepts I teach are organization, a willing and able attitude, and demanding high expectations in themselves in all areas. I believe these are valuable skills young people need to possess in order to be a successful, responsible and independent citizen.”

To see Laurent’s heartfelt speech at the Texas Air Force Association Banquet, visit Olney Enterprise on Facebook.