CONCORD, NH (March 27, 2025) — Four Granite State educators have been chosen as the New Hampshire 2025 state finalists for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The finalists are:

• Jessica Girvan, a science teacher at Londonderry High School in Londonderry.
• Brian Gray, a computer science and technology teacher at Hampton Academy in Hampton; Gray was also a finalist for the 2025 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year.
• Govan Baird, a science teacher at Exeter High School in Exeter.
• Michael Shore, a mathematics teacher at Exeter High School in Exeter.

“State finalists embody the very best of New Hampshire’s educators, serving as both role models and sources of inspiration for their students and colleagues. These four exceptional teachers understand the importance of engaging and innovative instruction, and we celebrate their well-earned recognition and dedication to STEM education,” said Commissioner Frank Edelblut of the New Hampshire Department of Education.

All four finalists will move forward to the national level and are eligible to receive a PAEMST national award – the nation’s highest honor for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science teachers. The National Science Foundation, on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, administers the awards program.

Each national Presidential Awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an all-expenses paid trip for an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. In addition, awardees join a national cohort of award-winning teachers, providing opportunities to impact teaching on a state and national scale.