10/08/2026
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School has been named a recipient of the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research for the 2025–2026 school year.
Announced by Executive Director Michael E. Woytek, Ottawa Hills is among just 76 schools across Ohio recognized by The Ohio Academy of Science for an exceptional commitment to hands-on learning and student scientific inquiry.
To qualify for this honor, students actively participated in a local science fair, a Regional Science Day, and youth science activities outside the classroom. Ottawa Hills embeds science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a project-based curriculum designed to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and communication.
“STEM education is about empowering students to think critically and solve real-world problems, and this award highlights the incredible hands-on learning happening in our classrooms every day,” shared Principal Ben McMurray.
Established in 1985, the Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards highlight programs preparing students for the future workforce through a partnership between The Ohio Academy of Science, The Office of Technology Investments, and The Ohio Department of Development.
