CRESTVIEW — Laura Pink, Antioch science teacher, is the 2015-2016 recipient of the North Arkansas College Distinguished Alumnus Award.
The award recognizes NAC "graduates for their outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields," according to a college media release.
Pink said it is a "surreal, privileged honor! All I can say is wow about the Night On The Plaza for North Arkansas College evening!"
NAC Vice President Rodney Arnold presented Pink with the award April 21 at its Durand, Arkansas campus.
A NAC media release stated, "Pink combines her love of teaching with her love of flight to form a unique gifted inclusion program at Antioch Elementary School in Crestview, Fla.
"In addition to her experiments, Pink has brought famous aviation personalities to school assemblies and military pilots dressed in uniform to welcome parents and students at the entrances. She also made it possible for students to see airplanes and helicopters up close."
Pink, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, trained in aviation tactics and engineering. Through the Aerospace Connections in Education program, she and other Okaloosa teachers incorporate classroom learning with " fun, hands-on activities with lesson plans that meet national standards for science, technology, engineering and math learning," according to a April 15, 2015 Crestview News Bulletin article.
Pink has earned several awards throughout her teaching career, some of which are:
●2014 Civil Air Patrol National Teacher of the Year
●2013 US Southwest Region Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year
●2012 Air Force Teacher of the Year
●2012 Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview teacher wins North Arkansas College Distinguished Alumnus award