Honey Creek Elementary has been named as a Finalist in the Elementary School category for the 2013 Georgia STEM Education Awards by the Technology Association of Georgia.

The Georgia STEM Education Awards recognizes schools, programs, and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education in Georgia.

"Our Pre-K through 5th Grade STEM approach is designed to improve student achievement and close learning gaps among all populations," said Principal Kay Symons. "We believe that when students are provided a strategic, comprehensive continuum of opportunities for STEM career awareness, exploration and preparation, they will increasingly access more rigorous and applied STEM coursework and improve the likelihood of pursuing postsecondary study and careers in STEM fields. We are proud and honored to be chosen as a finalist for this award."

The STEM program at Honey Creek Elementary is unique in that it encompasses all of the 555 students enrolled. These student-centered exploratory units are designed to include: (a) interactive project-based learning; (b) support advanced classroom and laboratory experiences; (c) student collaboration; (d) numerous field studies; (e) service learning components; (f) 21st Century Technology Tools; and (g) enrichment opportunities for all. By maximizing community partnerships, students see how STEM is part of everyday living.

Honey Creek Elementary School was named a finalist during a special press conference telecast presented by TAG in collaboration with Georgia Public Broadcasting and the STEM Education Awards broadcast sponsors, Cisco Systems Inc. and the US Department of Commerce- Economic Development Association.

"We congratulate the administration, faculty and staff of Honey Creek Elementary for this accomplishment and their commitment to providing a STEM focused environment and increasing STEM opportunities for all students," said RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry.

"It was truly a challenge for our judges to select the 2013 finalists from among more than 170 applicants from around Georgia," said Michael Robertson, Executive Director of TAG Education Collaborative. "We must continue building a wave of activities that will prepare our students for the global workforce they will inherit, and we hope recognizing these organizations and their programs will raise awareness on the importance of STEM education for our state's economic future."

This year's Finalists were chosen in eight different categories: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Post Secondary Outreach, Extracurricular Program, Best Use of Technology in Classroom or Program, Corporate Outreach, Best STEM Day Activity

Winners in each category will be officially honored at the second annual Georgia STEM Education Awards event held on Sept. 27 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. The event is presented by TAG, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to advancing STEM education in Georgia, and TAG Savannah.

For more information about TAG and the 2nd Annual Georgia STEM Education Awards or to attend the event, visit bit.ly/STEMreg13 .