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Okemos high school teacher wins regional chemistry teaching award

Annis Hapkiewicz, a chemistry teacher at Okemos High School in Okemos, Mich., is being honored with the Central Regional High School Chemistry Teaching Award from the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. The award will be presented at the Society’s 33rd Central/Great Lakes joint regional meeting on June 11 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Hapkiewicz has taught chemistry and other science courses at Okemos High School for nearly 25 years. She teaches her students fundamental chemical concepts, while also engaging them in hands-on projects and laboratory work. Hapkiewicz’ students consistently score well on national tests, such as the United States National Chemistry Olympiad examination.

As an educator and leader, Hapkiewicz’ contributions extend beyond students in the classroom. She was instrumental in writing the Michigan Science Essential Goals and Objectives and has organized monthly meetings for teachers to share ideas and experiences with one another. She serves as a consultant to the State of Michigan Department of Education and the College Board. She is past president and current editor of the Michigan Science Teachers Association and speaks frequently at local, regional and national conventions and meetings.

“Annis feels an obligation to share her teaching experiences beyond the regular classroom. She is truly a teachers’ teacher — many of us have learned from her throughout the years,” said Sheldon Knoespel, the chemistry demonstrator at Michigan State University.

Hapkiewicz has earned numerous awards throughout her distinguished career, including Impression V Science Teacher of the Year; Distinguished Service Award, Michigan Science Teachers Association; and Distinguished High School Science and Math Teacher Award, College of Natural Science at Michigan State University.

Hapkiewicz earned her Bachelor’s of Arts and Master’s of Education degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She resides in East Lansing, Mich., with her husband, Walter.

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