The Siegfried Excellence in STEM Education Awards honor Oklahoma’s most outstanding educators, trailblazers who are transforming STEM education in our state. These awards, presented annually at Flight Night, recognize teachers and leaders who exemplify innovative, STEM-infused teaching strategies and inspire positive student learning outcomes. From elementary classrooms to district-wide initiatives, these awardees are dedicated to expanding access to quality STEM education for all Oklahoma students. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and the lasting impact they have on the future of STEM learning.
At Flight Night, we will celebrate these outstanding finalists, culminating in the announcement of the overall Siegfried STEM Educator of the Year.
Vona Cardwell
Elementary school Category Finalist
Claremont & Roosa Elementary, Claremore Public Schools
Vona Cardwell brings years of experience and a strong track record of student growth to her STEM teaching practice. At Claremont and Roosa Elementary Schools, Vona cultivates engaging, real-world STEM experiences that help young learners build problem-solving and collaboration skills from the start.
A leader in project-based learning and inclusive instruction, she partners with local organizations and colleagues to offer mentorship and enrichment opportunities for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her multi-faceted approach to STEM education includes robotics integration, career exploration, and cultivating curiosity through science storytelling.
Vona’s proudest recent achievement includes launching a schoolwide STEM event that brought families, educators, and community partners together, helping students see themselves as scientists and engineers while fostering a culture of STEM belonging that extends beyond the classroom.
De'ira Taylor
Middle School Category Finalist
Monroe Demonstration Academy, Tulsa Public Schools
De’Ira Taylor is a dedicated career and technology educator who centers equity and belonging in everything she does. At Monroe Demonstration Academy, she transforms her classroom into a vibrant hub for innovation, especially for students from historically marginalized communities.
De’Ira emphasizes student voice and community connection, embedding authentic partnerships and mentorship opportunities throughout her curriculum. She integrates culturally responsive teaching strategies and works tirelessly to secure resources that ensure access for all learners, including those with disabilities or from low-income backgrounds.
This past year, she was especially proud of organizing a school-wide STEM day focused on environmental justice, which offered students the chance to engage with STEM professionals and take real-world action in their own community.
Gary Knowles
High School Category Finalist
Mustang High School, Mustang Public Schools
Gary Knowles blends industry expertise with innovative teaching to prepare students for both college and career. A small business owner and CareerTech instructor, he equips his high school engineering and aerospace students with hands-on, skills-based learning rooted in real-world applications. His classes tackle ambitious projects ranging from flight simulation and heavy lift balloon rockets to airport design and foam gliders, all while building the leadership and teamwork skills essential to the STEM workforce.
Passionate about equity in STEM, Gary incorporates design thinking and universal design principles into his instruction to ensure all learners can thrive. Beyond the classroom, he mentors the Mustang Aero student group in outreach with younger students and families and supports educators statewide through NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium’s STELLAR program.
This past year, he guided his Aviation IV seniors to a groundbreaking achievement as the first high school team in Oklahoma to design, build, and launch a high-powered hybrid rocket through the SystemsGo program. The 8.5-foot vehicle passed the rigorous Flight Readiness Review and launched successfully at the national competition, demonstrating his students’ technical skill, collaboration, and resilience while advancing aerospace education opportunities across the state.
MacKensie Mathison
Leadership Category Finalist
Darnaby Elementary School, Union Public Schools
MacKensie Mathison isn’t just an educator—she’s a trailblazer who’s reimagining what school can be through the power of STEM. As the STEM Strategist and a leader at Darnaby Elementary, she has helped build a culture where curiosity drives learning, student voices are heard, and every child sees themselves as an innovator.
Recognizing that meaningful change comes through collaboration, MacKensie has established long-standing partnerships with local businesses, professionals, and universities, bringing resources and mentorship directly into the school. Her leadership in securing grant funding and supporting staff has expanded STEM opportunities for all students while fostering a culture of inclusion where every child—multilingual learners, students with diverse learning needs, and beyond—feels welcome.
A hallmark of her leadership is the school’s robust after-school program, offering 20+ clubs that give students the chance to explore new interests, build confidence, and find a place where they truly belong.
This past year, MacKensie guided her robotics team to a state championship and onto the global stage at VEX Worlds. But for her, the real victory lies in building confidence, sparking creativity, and preparing students for a future where adaptability and innovation are essential. Through teamwork and vision, her work is not only transforming one school but setting the stage for STEM growth across the district.
Darron Lamkin, Phd
Out-of-school time Category Finalist
Class Matters, Inc.
Dr. Darron Lamkin is a visionary leader in out-of-school time STEM education. Through his organization, Class Matters Inc., he creates transformative, identity-affirming STEM experiences for youth across Oklahoma City, especially those from underserved communities.
Darron’s work includes mentorship programs, community-based learning, and industry-aligned technical training that equips students with real-world skills and confidence. His philosophy centers on equity as a non-negotiable, ensuring students of color, girls, and first-generation learners see themselves as future STEM professionals.
One of his proudest achievements this past year was raising more than $70,000 to support students in building, coding, and showcasing their own robotics inventions—proving that when students are equipped and encouraged, they rise to the challenge with creativity and brilliance.
honorable Mentions
Celebrate Oklahoma’s Outstanding STEM Educators
Every year, we recognize incredible educators who are inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. This year’s award winners represent the very best of STEM teaching and mentorship across our state—and they are joined by an equally remarkable group of Honorable Mentions.
Our Honorable Mentions spotlight three additional educators in each award category. These individuals exemplify excellence, creativity, and dedication in the classroom and beyond. By recognizing Honorable Mentions, we celebrate the truth that Oklahoma is full of outstanding educators who go above and beyond to ensure that students see themselves in STEM.
