Gary Abud opened his mail one day this summer to discover that his department chair at Grosse Pointe North High School had nominated him for an award with the Michigan Science Teachers Association. 

The news was not only a pleasant surprise but also an honor, he said.

Abud is one of five teachers around the state that earned distinction awards through the Michigan Science Teachers Association. Each of the awards is separate and distinct from the others.

His, the Teacher of Promise Award, is slated for a teacher with five years or less in the classroom who shows innovation and dedication to teaching science and placed an emphasis on the importance of science education. The award is generally for teachers who are leaders. 

Abud taught for a few years at L'Anse Cruese before moving to Grosse Pointe North, where he is in his second year with the Norsemen. Last school year, Abud organized a project that garnered participation in one form or another from the entire student population--the cardboard regatta. 

While the idea of the project itself was not his and is widely used in science education, it has never been employed in Grosse Pointe Schools. He suggested it as a problem-based project in which the students see it from scraps to boat and even in water to see how its level of function. 

Physics Department Chair Don Pata nominated Abud for the award and Abud had to write an essay explaining why he was deserving and also have references submit infomation about his worthiness.

In addition to teaching physics, Abud is involved with the North Robotics team, Science Olympiad and two pilot programs, including one that aims to develop leadership skills of students based on their individual strengths rather than simply academic performance. He is also working to organize a student TED Talks presentation for the spring. 

The Grosse Pointe Public School Board recognized Abud this week related to the award, thanking him for his work and dedication.