Luker receives state's Seagate

Science Mentor Award

Science mentor at NUACS is one of the first two

teachers in the state to ever get this award; only one

in her category

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Judy Luker, a science teacher at New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, received the first-ever Seagate Science Mentor Award, at the Minnesota State Science Fair on April 13.

Only two awards are given statewide, one to a teacher who has taught between one and 10 years, and one to a teacher with more than 11 years experience. The award is sponsored by the Minnesota Academy of Sciences and Seagate Technology.

Luker said she was "shocked" to receive the recognition. "The students said it took me an awful long time to get there (to accept the plaque)," she laughed.

What made it especially meaningful to her, she said, was the fact she was nominated by students and parents. "That's what pleases me the most ... I could not do this without the support of the students and parents."

Luker and her students boast an extraordinary performance at the different levels of the science fair.

Out of 19 papers sent to the regional level, 15 made it to the finals. Eight of those finalists were chosen to go to state, with one seventh-grader receiving the top state award for a first-year paper.

In the projects section, three high school students, Tony Moldan, Tim Guldan and Jenny Moldan, not only made it to state but will also be going to the International Science Fair in Louisville, Ky., May 12-18. One seventh-grader won the top state award in first-year project category as well.

This is Tony Moldan's fourth trip to the international fair. Tim Guldan is going for the first time, and Jenny Moldan is an alternate.

During a 32-year career with NUACS, Luker has been no stranger to this kind of success. She has taken students to the state fair for "many, many years," she says. She proudly recalls a "unique" circumstance -- taking the mother of Tony and Jenny Moldan to the fair.

"I enjoy science, and I enjoy teaching science," Luker says.

"I like seeing students find out they can accomplish things through the scientific method, not necessarily through books; expanding on the things they've learned ..."

"Every student is capable of taking the scientific method and working with it," she said.

Luker teaches primarily seventh- and eighth-grade science. She also has a fifth-grade section, and often mentors older students who choose to continue with science projects over several years.

She has four children, with her eldest son continuing the family tradition with an M.S. in aerospace engineering.

With her award, Luker also received a check for $1,000. Her school received another $1,000.