CLA is thrilled to announce that Sarah Deel, Smyth County’s Teacher of the Year, joined us at “The Solar System” program on November 2nd, 2019 at the John C. Wells Planetarium. A science teacher at Marion Senior High School, she was one of four teachers who drove 3-4 hours on a Saturday morning, from the Southwest region of Virginia, to attend the program at JMU in Harrisonburg. UVA’s Astronomy professor Ed Murphy and JMU’s Physics and Astronomy professor Geary Albright led “The Solar System” with a show in the planetarium, modeling of the planets, and discussing classroom applications. Sarah described the program as an “unforgettable experience!” and said she “gained lots of valuable materials that can easily be used in the classroom.” We are truly honored and delighted she could join us at the program.

Four science teachers in front of the Solar System image

Teachers from Southwest region of Virginia, from left: Jennifer Johnson (Carroll County), G.L. Honaker, Jr. (Bristol County), Jewell Cardwell (Bristol County), Sarah Deel (Smyth County)