ARLINGTON, TEXAS (8/14/15) — “My vision is to make a difference in children’s lives and pay it forward,” said this year’s recipient of the Mensa Education and Research Foundation’s Distinguished Teacher Award. Myrielle Badio, of Coral Springs, Fla., was nominated by one of her students for the positive impact she has had on his educational experience.
“Our school does not always have all the things the teachers would like for us to have to help us learn,” wrote the student in his nomination essay. “What makes Ms. B. amazing is she does something about it!” In his essay, he shared the tenacity of Badio to raise funding for new laptops and other equipment as well as her dedication to her students. “School starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m., but Ms. Badio actually stays at school every day until at least 5 p.m. just for us!”
Badio teaches advanced math at Parkway Middle School in Lauderhill, Fla. She also assists the Mathletes, the Math Circle, National Junior Mathematics Club, Chi Alpha Mu, three robotics teams and various additional clubs that range in subjects from photography and coding to fitness and video gaming. She has been with Parkway for 13 years and credits her school’s Principal, Bradford Mattair, for supporting her vision of helping children develop intellectually.
“Intelligence is even more valuable when it is shared with others,” said Foundation President Dave Remine. “Ms. Badio was nominated because of her inspiring nature and her abilities to share the gift of knowledge. We are pleased to present this award to such an outstanding educator.”
The Mensa Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes a teacher, professor or instructor at any educational level who has had an especially positive influence on the education or life of a Mensa member. To find out more about the Mensa Foundation Awards, visit mensafoundation.org/awards.
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For more than 40 years, the Mensa Education & Research Foundation has been a strong voice in supporting intelligence. The Foundation fosters the best and brightest through scholarships and awards, and encourages research and intellectual inquiry through the Mensa Research Journal and various Colloquiums. Governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, the Mensa Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and is funded by American Mensa, Mensa members and other charitable donations. To learn more about the Foundation, visit mensafoundation.org.