Each year an Outstanding Physical Science Teacher from a High School in South Dakota is recognized.  The 3M Company sponsors the award, a plaque and $900 to be used in the individual's physical science classrooms, and the South Dakota Academy of Science administers the award.
      Judy Vondruska, a teacher at Mitchell High School, has been chosen as the 1997 Outstanding Physical Science Teacher.  She received her Masters Degree in Astronomy from the University of Arizona, and her Bachelors degree in Science Education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.  She has taught Chemistry,
Physics and Astronomy at Mitchell High School since 1987.  Judy has also taught Physical Science courses at Dakota Wesleyan University.
      Judy's activities include the presidency of the SD Physics Teachers
Association, 1994-95; North Central Evaluation Team member, Sioux Falls University, 1996; Visiting Senior Scientists Program Co-director, 1991 -present; SD Science Olympiad Steering Committee, 1998 -present; North Central Evaluation Team, Huron High School, 1990; and many others.
    Her awards include -Presidential Award for Excellence in Secondary
Science Teaching; 1994, Mitchell District Teacher of the Year, 1992; Senior High Teacher of the year, 1990, 1992 & 1994; and Tandy Technology Scholar, honorable mention, 1993.  Judy is involved in numerous community projects and maintains local, regional and national professional memberships.  Judy is known for her ability to bring "real life" into her classroom. 
                                    Bill Jensen