AUGUSTA – Maine teachers who are state finalists for the 2002 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were announced Aug. 22 by Education Commissioner J. Duke Albanese. The award is the nation’s highest honor for mathematics and science teachers in kindergarten through grade 12.

The Maine state finalists were selected at elementary and secondary school levels in both mathematics and science by a panel of former presidential awardees and other distinguished math and science educators. Then, a national panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators will recommend teachers to receive a presidential award – one elementary and one secondary teacher for each category from each state and U.S. territory.

Maine finalists are as follows:

Elementary science: Joanne DeFilipp Alex, Stillwater Montessori School, Old Town; Patricia Ann Gaudreau, Auburn Land Lab, Auburn; and Margaret Loring Merrill, Plummer-Motz School, Falmouth.

Secondary science: Maria Palopoli, Brunswick Middle School; Donald Raymond Sprangers, Washington Academy, East Machias; and Jeffrey Jay Steinert, Edward Little High School, Auburn.

Elementary mathematics: Judith Lee Atcheson, Pine Elementary School, Presque Isle; and Linda Marie Carpenter, New Suncook School, Lovell.

Secondary mathematics: Alfred Jeffrey Gosselin, Monmouth Academy; Marsha Ann Sheehan, Thornton Academy, Saco; and Brian Twitchell, Mount Abram High School, Strong.

State finalists receive a $750 grant to improve mathematics and science education in their school. National award winners receive a $7,500 educational grant for his or her school, a presidential citation and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a series of recognition events.