ALLENTOWN, PA, April 28, 2026 – Da Vinci Science Center extends its sincere gratitude to all who made the 2026 Science Soiree an extraordinary success. Through the generosity of our supporters, sponsors, and guests, the evening was a powerful celebration of innovation, creativity, and community. Your contributions, through gifts, donations, and attendance, help advance our mission of bringing science to life and lives to science.
The event also provided an inspiring platform to recognize outstanding achievements in STEAM education. We were proud to honor this year’s student and educator award recipients, whose passion and dedication continue to shape the future of science and learning in our community.
Student Scholarship Award honorees included:
- Hayden Nagy, 12th grade, Northampton Area High School
- Kate Assad, 12th grade, Freedom High School/Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School
- Alexander Zhang, 11th grade, Parkland High School
- Morsal Khashee, 9th grade, Louis E. Dieruff High School
- Edwannys Antoine, 12th grade, William Allen High School
Stars of Tomorrow student honorees included:
- Yasamin Saffari-Farsani, 9th grade, Parkland High School
- Marilyn Ogunsemore, 11th grade, Whitehall-Coplay School District
- Destinii Vazquez, 12th grade, Executive Education Academy Charter School
Educator Award honorees included:
- Jenn Knauer, Col. John Siegfried Elementary School, Northampton Area School District
- Geoffrey Osman, Louis E. Dieruff High School, Allentown School District
- Amber George, Lehigh Valley Regional Academy Charter School
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Pioneer in Science and Creativity Award to Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor – astronaut, geoscientist, artist, poet, and trailblazing space communicator. Dr. Proctor’s groundbreaking work seamlessly blends science and creativity, inspiring the next generation to embrace curiosity and see themselves as pioneers of possibility.
In tribute to Dr. Proctor’s impact, local students were also recognized as Pioneers in Science and Creativity, celebrating their innovative thinking and imaginative contributions.
Building on this momentum, Da Vinci Science Center looks ahead to the future. Mark your calendars: next year’s STEAM Awards celebration takes place on April 30, 2027, continuing this meaningful tradition of honoring excellence and inspiring discovery.
About Da Vinci Science Center
Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning non-profit science center that has been bringing science to life and lives to science for 30 years. With our exciting new downtown Allentown location, the Da Vinci Science Center makes science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. To learn more about our programs, visit davincisciencecenter.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
