The Christa McAuliffe Memorial Award honors a public, private, or parochial classroom teacher (K – 12th grade) who demonstrates excellence in furthering the concepts of aerospace technologies in the classroom through successful, innovative curricular classroom programs.

Gwaltney was singled out for her efforts in aerospace education at James B. Hunt Jr. Senior High School. She will receive the award during the AFA National Convention and Exposition in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2003.

Gwaltney developed an outstanding Computer Engineering program at Hunt School. She teaches a comprehensive block on aerodynamics where students research the history of flight, space exploration, and the development of a hands-on building program using a real wind tunnel, computer modeling and design, and visits to aerospace industry sites such as NASA Langley Research Center. Her dedication and determination in teaching students about science and the importance of aerospace education were key to her selection as Teacher of the Year.

The Aerospace Education Foundation offers numerous scholarships, grants, awards and public awareness programs to promote public awareness of the importance of science and technology to national defense. The Scott-Berkeley Air Force Association Chapter and North Carolina Air Force Association State nominated Sally Gwaltney for the national award.

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For more information on the Aerospace Education Foundation or the Air Force Association visit www.aef.org and www.afa.org, respectively. For more information on AEF programs contact: Rebecca Kay, (703) 247-4877; e-mail: rkay@afa.org; The Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209.

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