Gelinas Educator Lauded as Middle School Science Teacher of the Year

If his commitment to the science programs at Gelinas Junior High is any indication, Gary Vorwald loves teaching science.

Now, for his work as a teacher, science department chairperson and Science Olympiad coach, Vorwald has been named "Middle School Science Teacher of the Year" by the Suffolk County Section of the Science Teachers Association of New York State.

Vorwald was nominated for the honor by Eileen Gerle, a Brookhaven Town environmental educator.

Vorwald began his career as an exploration petroleum geologist, and  has been teaching since 1986, when he began his career in the Island Trees school district. He has been with Three Village for the past 16 years, teaching earth science, eighth-grade physical science, science research and seventh-grade science. He also serves as science department chairperson, and has coached the Science Olympiad teams to multiple Long Island championships and state and national appearances. He has also taught summer enrichment programs for high school students at Stony Brook University, and has participated in a field program on the Juneau Icefield in Alaska, and has served as an earth science mentor to both the New York State Education Department and BOCES.

Three Village superintendent Cheryl Pedisich said he serves "with skill and dedication."

“His teaching and leadership experiences throughout his career have distinguished him as an exceptional teacher and dedicated and passionate educator, who serves as a mentor to both students and staff,” she said in a statement.