Receiving the Presidential Award validates my parents’ belief in the American Dream and means that I have reached the height of my profession. My parents, World War II refugees, came to the United States to give me the opportunity for a better life. I became a teacher and worked hard at trying to make my students’ lives better. I am blessed with much positive feedback from former students. When they tell me about their successes, I know that they, too, are achieving the American Dream.

Pete Karpyk Weirton, WV | 7-12, Science, 2013

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Pete Karpyk taught 10th -12th graders in Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, Advanced Placement Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and sponsored Chem Club for 36 years beginning in 1977 at Weir High School. He filmed 66 science episodes on Kidz Newz, a weekly television show broadcast by West Virginia Media. The show was nominated for an Emmy and won a Telly Award. Pete conducts workshops for teachers, students, clubs, and businesses that cover topics on the national, state, and local levels. He has made presentations at National Science Teachers Association Conventions, National Education Association Conferences, colleges, and summer camps. His honors include the PBS Innovative Teacher Award, USA Today’s All-USA Teacher Team, the Pittsburgh Society for Analytical Chemists Chairman’s Award, the Tandy Prize, and the Ashland Award. Pete was named one of the "55 Good Things about West Virginia" by the West Virginia State Journal. He has been published in secondary and elementary education magazines. Pete’s external support includes a supercomputing grant as a West Virginia University team member from the National Science Foundation, equipment grants from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, and a West Virginia Alliance grant. Pete holds a B.A. in psychology from Youngstown State University and a M.A. in classroom communications from West Virginia University. He is certified in chemistry.

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