Haverford alumna Alexandra Rodriguez-Negron '02, a high school chemistry teacher in Puerto Rico, has been selected as one of the winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Rodriguez-Negron is one of 103 teachers chosen by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level.

Winners of the Presidential Award receive a $10,000 cash prize from the National Science Foundation and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. where they will be honored at an awards ceremony and meet with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

In a press release announcing the winners, President Obama said,“Science and technology have long been at the core of America's strength and competitiveness, and the scientists and engineers who have led America on its remarkable path to success share something very precious: science and math teachers who brought these critical subjects to life. Today we honor some of the best of these teachers and thank them for their dedication. They are inspirations not just to their students, but to the nation and the world.”

“My four years at Haverford were invaluable to me in my preparation to become a chemistry teacher,” said Rodriguez-Negron in an email she sent to some of her former chemistry and education professors after learning she had won the prestigious award. “I wanted to thank the professors that made me the teacher I am today.”

“I am also the biggest Haverford promoter here in Puerto Rico,” added Rodriguez-Negron.“I have already sent three of my students to Haverford and I hope to send more!”