Kirsti Fontenot, a science teacher at Lomax Junior High School, has been named a winner in the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, for which she will receive a $20,000 science lab makeover in her classroom.  

Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. and administered by the National Science Teaching Association, the competition encouraged K–12 science teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package. Fontenot is one of 26 regional winners named, from which three grand-prize winners will be selected. 

Fontenot’s science teaching philosophy centers on inquiry-based learning and student-centered instruction. She believes that science education should cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the natural world. Students should not only learn scientific facts but also develop the skills to ask questions, design experiments, analyze data, and communicate findings. 

“These conscientious and creative science teachers have overcome many obstacles associated with having limited resources to provide their students with high-quality lab experiences,” said Dr. Beverly DeVore-Wedding, NSTA President. “We commend these regional winners for their ingenuity and their dedication to their students.” 

Fontenot now advances to the national phase of the competition, where she will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 of support to attend a future NSTA National Conference. All national winners will be honored during a special evening celebration during the conference.