Darin Detwiler, a science teacher at BEST High School, was honored with the 2009 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence. Carol Pawlak, a representative with Amgen surprised Darin in his classroom on April 28 to give him the $10,000 award and trophy.

Of the $10,000 award money, $5,000 is in a restricted grant for the expansion or enhancement of the school’s science program, science resources or professional development for the school’s science teachers. Darin is one of 34 recipients throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, and one of only four in Washington state. Amgen, a biotechnology company, designed this award program to recognize K-12 science teachers whose dedication to their student’s education has had a significant impact on the learning and interest of the future generation of scientist. Nominations were solicited in the fall, and winners were selected based on the following criteria: innovative science lesson plan showcasing novel teaching methods in the classroom, creativity and effectiveness of teaching methods, and the plan for the use of grant money to improve science education resources in their schools.