SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — One of Central High School’s very own was named as the State’s Most Outstanding Science Teacher. Shamone Minzenmayer teaches AP Environmental Science, Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology.
The West Texas Geological Foundation awarded her after being nominated by a group of former students and an Angelo State professor. Minzenmayer is recognized for the education she provides her students and the impact that inspires them for years after leaving her classroom.
“You know, the award’s not so much special as knowing that I made an impact on the students that nominated me,” Minzenmayer said.
Minzenmayer recalls one of the students who nominated her and how their time together opened her students’ perspectives on science.
“One thing that I remember, Megan Dunlap is one of the ones that nominated me. I remember she and her cohort of students that were in that class had never really done anything outside. They’d never gone camping, they weren’t even sure they liked science, and we had so much fun that year,” Minzenmayer said. “Maybe had a few tears here and there, too. They said I was a little tenacious. And eventually, that’s what they’re doing. They would never have thought of doing something in geology or environmental had they not taken class, which makes me feel really good.”
Central High School’s Principal, Jill Ross, commended Minzenmayer on her hard work.
“It’s important for teachers to see that other people notice their hard work, and I’ve never been around an opportunity like this one, where a teacher was honored in such a big way,” Ross said. “And it was so much fun to be able to be there when her students were able to see the plaque and the check and just the smile on her face, and more importantly, the organization read some of the comments that were made about her, and they were just amazing.”
Minzenmayer has taught for thirty years and says she has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.