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Award Notification:  Pamela Yau Smith (AL '12)

Homewood, AL   |    Oct 31, 2012
Edgewood Elementary School

Edgewood Elementary in Homewood Celebrates New 2012 Alabama Milken Educator Pamela Yau Smith

It was a happy Halloween for Math and Science Enhancement Teacher Pamela Yau Smith of Homewood, Alabama, who was surprised with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award during an all-school assembly at Edgewood Elementary. Now that’s a lot of candy! On hand to celebrate Pamela’s Award were State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice and National Institute for Excellence in Teaching President and CEO Dr. Gary Stark. A Milken Educator himself, Stark called Pamela’s name to an eruption of applause from faculty and students. Among her many achievements, Pamela’s interactive lessons inspire curiosity, wonder and collaborative thinking about real-world issues. As a result, her students’ math scores rise above state averages. “I want you to remember that what you learn here at Edgewood from your teachers -- not just your classroom teachers, but your special-area teachers – take that with you,” Yau advised Edgewood students. “Find what you love the most and enjoy the most about school. Use that to find your unique potential, and go on and do great things in the world.” One of Pamela’s roles is a Learning, Enhancement and Academic Design (LEAD) educator -- a fitting title in every way.