DeWeese Recognized as a Recipient of Excellence in Science Teacher Award

Widely regarded among many Berkeley alumni as the reason they chose the medical field and other technical professions, DeWeese has been an inspiration to generations of Berkeley students willing to work hard enough to excel in their scientific studies and expand their knowledge base.
 
DeWeese, who has been a science teacher at Berkeley since 1986, said “I truly cannot express how honored I am to have received this award from the Barrett Family Foundation.  It is simply unimaginable to think I was recognized in such a meaningful way for having the opportunity to share my love and passion for the biological sciences with my students.”
 
According to the Barrett Family Foundation, they established the Excellence in Science/Mathematics Teacher Award as a vehicle to recognize deserving educators.  Through this award, the Foundation “proudly honors outstanding high school teachers who share their energy and enthusiasm for science or mathematics through creative and innovative methods.” The award further seeks to recognize teachers who are utilizing methods to cultivate student interest and ability in both fields of study. The Barrett Family Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity based in Clearwater.  Founded in 2013, the foundation is one of few organizations of its kind to directly award teachers.
 
“Never in a million years would I have dreamed that my path would have varied from a career working in the clinical laboratory setting to a science classroom setting,” said DeWeese.  “Sometimes during our life journey, we come to a crossroads and new circumstances lead us to follow a new path.  Because of my children, I began volunteering to help with science projects and Science Olympics.  Today, three decades later, I can’t think of anything more meaningful than having the opportunity to continue to work each day with the future leaders of tomorrow. There is nothing more exciting than watching young adults change before your eyes as they realize their potential and follow their dreams.”
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Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.