Award Information
One of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science's primary missions is to recognize and stimulate achievement in science education and to foster scientific inquiry at all levels. Towards those ends, the Academy offers several awards each year for pre-college teachers and students.
All funds awarded by the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science are intended for the recipient only, and cannot be used for administrative or institutional services of any kind.
Outstanding Teacher Awards
Each year the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science presents awards to a elementary, middle school, and a senior high school teacher for outstanding accomplishments in the field of science education.
If you have a dedicated teacher in your school whom you feel has demonstrated excellence in science education, please encourage him/her to apply for this award or nominate* him/her for recognition.
Any K-12 certificated or practicing Arizona or Nevada teacher who has not previously received this recognition (for any grade level) may apply. Applicants may be teaching at a public, private, or charter school. The award is also open to student teachers who have completed their student teaching experience.
- Summary of accomplishments in science teaching.
- Description of nature of and/or approach to science teaching in applicant's classroom.
- Supporting documentation.
- Up to two letters of recommendation from individuals that have observed your science teaching.
All decisions of the judging panels are final. Winners will be notified of their selection in late-March. The recipient of the award at each level will be presented with his or her award at the Annual Awards Luncheon held each spring (usually early April) as part of the Academy's Annual Meeting. Each awardee will receive a plaque and a $250 gift card. Lunch will be provided for each recipient and their guest.
Deadline for application is March 10th.
Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award
Each year the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science presents an award to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of science education in Arizona or Nevada.
If you know a dedicated individual that you feel has made such a significant contribution towards improving the quality of STEM education, please nominate them for this award.
Your assistance in helping the Academy identify and honor such educational leaders is greatly appreciated.
Note: With this award, we are looking to recognize individual whose impact has extended beyond a single classroom. Examples would include but are not limited to educators, volunteers, administrators, or others who have effected change at the school or district level, individuals working with after-school or summer programs, or persons who have made significant contributions to science initiatives in a city, area, or state.
We welcome individuals working in charter, private, and public schools, as well as organizations such as museums, after school clubs, and other organizations dedicated to student education and success.
The winner will be notified of their selection in late-March and invited to attend the ANASAnnual Awards Luncheon held each spring (usually early April) to receive their award (plaque and $250 gift card). Lunch will be provided for the honoree and their guest.
Deadline for application is March 10th.
Endowed Scholarships
The Bud Ellis Scholarship
The Arizona - Nevada Academy of Science has endowed a Maricopa Community College Foundation Scholarship in honor of founding ANAS member, Albert "Bud" Ellis. Bud Ellis was also a founding faculty member of the GCC Biology department and continued his teaching and service career there until his retirement. The scholarship supports Glendale Community College students pursuing a degree in a STEM field.
The Robert Reavis Scholarship
The Arizona - Nevada Academy of Science has helped to endow a Maricopa Community College Foundation Scholarship in memory of long time Academy board member, Robert Reavis. Dr. Reavis joined the GCC Biology faculty in 1999 and continued his teaching and service career there until his passing in 2021. The scholarship honors Robert's commitment to educating the community about their personal impact on the biosphere by supporting Glendale Community College students with an interest in biology, sustainability and environmental issues.
GCC students interested in applying for these scholarships should go to the Foundation Scholarship portal.
Individuals wishing to contribute to this scholarship fund may do so through the GCC website. MCCF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN 860327449). If you'd like to arrange a legacy contribution to either scholarship in your will or estate, please visit the foundation's "planned giving" website for tools
Dr. Albert "Bud" Ellis
Dr. Robert Reavis
Although a geneticist by training, Dr. Ellis brought a wide spectrum of biology expertise to Glendale Community College. His knowledge of the natural history of Arizona was second to none. As GCC’s first Biology Department Chair he helped shape an outstanding faculty that made quality instruction a priority.
Bud also gave considerable time to professional and volunteer activities. He provided many years of leadership to the Academy serving in various capacities on the Board of Governors including President. Dr. Ellis was honored as an Academy Fellow in 1977 and received our Outstanding Service Award in 1995. His long and distinguished life and career are a legacy, the impacts of which are still felt today.
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As an ardent biologist, Robert Reavis was passionate about life on Earth, its diversity, and the ecological and genetic connections we all share. He brought biology to life for his students not only in the classroom but by enriching their academic journeys with field trips, hands-on labs and awareness-building activities (like an annual Dumpster Dive) that helped all of members of the GCC community come to a greater understanding of the difference we can make in ensuring a sustainable future for the biosphere. His legacies include the establishment of the Green Efforts committee, institutional recycling program, and a climate action commitment endorsed by all facets of the college community.
Robert continued his research endeavors throughout his tenure. Not only did he make significant scholarly contributions, but he often involved students in those studies, training for example, his scuba students as scientific divers. Such opportunities to engage in original research projects have been shown to stimulate students’ interests in STEM careers, and the many students Robert inspired to pursue their bachelor’s and graduate degrees were no exception. Robert was also an active member of the ANAS board from 1998-2009, serving first as the Central Arizona Director and then as President.