Forest Meadow Junior High math teacher Lauren Denison has received the Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Award. The honor recognizes educators for their commitment to sharing their love of science, technology, engineering and math.

Denison says she was “surprised, happy and honored” when representatives of TI and the RISD Excellence in Education Foundation arrived in her classroom to present the award, along with RISD Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner and Assistant Superintendent Bob DeVoll. Denison received a $10,000 grant, to be split between personal use and classroom projects.

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“The best part about teaching junior high kids is that they make me laugh,” Denison told me. She finds it rewarding, she says, to watch them see the consequences of their decisions – both good and bad – and to help them make good ones.

Her biggest challenge? “Helping them see past today,” she says, “and realize that their decisions will affect their future.”

Amen, sister.

Denison, who also serves as a TAP Mentor Teacher and AVID mentor, will be honored at the Foundation awards gala.

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  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.