Cyndi Loza

McQueen High School science teacher Petrina McCarty-Puhl is one of three finalists selected for the Shell Science Teaching Award sponsored annually by the National Science Teacher Association.

The award recognizes one outstanding K-12 classroom science teacher who has had a positive impact on his or her students, school and community through their teaching.

The three finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the association’s national conference in Boston. The winner also will receive a $10,000 award.

“To be one of their national finalists for this award puts her in pretty lofty territory,” said Steve Mulvenon, Washoe County School District spokesman. “We’re proud of the job that she has done and continues to do, and we hope she wins the national award. She’s certainly deserving.”

McCarty-Puhl has been an teacher at McQueen for 21 years. She has received a number of prestigious awards for teaching, such as the Nevada State Teacher of the Year award in 2006 and the NEA/AOL Technology Leadership Award in 2007.

McCarty-Puhl said she feels fortunate to be a finalist for the award but could not have done it without the collaboration, guidance and help of her fellow teachers and school administrators.

“I hope this helps people around the nation to know that the teachers of Nevada are dedicated to the art and craft of teaching and guiding the students of today and the citizens of tomorrow,” said McCarty-Puhl in a news release. “I am grateful for the professionalism and support of all the staff and administration of McQueen High School.”