2025 GHS Award Honorees
Back Row: Michael Reynolds, Omar Abdelrahman, Reggie Dias, Larry Dennis, Reese Johnson; Front Row: Claire Conboy, Roxie Allen, Yokabet Gedeon, Heather Burgess
On Saturday, October 25th, at St. John’s School, the ACS Greater Houston Section (ACS-GHS) honored members who have received local and regional ACS awards for 2025. At the local level, we honored Reese Johnson as the GHS Outreach Volunteer of the Year. Omar Abdelrahman received the Younger Chemist Award, Claire Conboy received the Excellence in High School Teaching Award, Yokabet Gedeon received the Two Year College Teaching Award, Kerry Spilker received the Mamie W. Moy Distinguished Service Award, and Michael Reynolds received the Joe W. Hightower Award. As the Hightower winner, Michael gave a short talk called “Soaring on Soybeans – Catalysis for Producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel”.
Several ACS-GHS members were selected for 2025 Southwest Regional Awards which were presented at the Southwest Regional Meeting in Orlando. Roxie Allen was honored for being named the ACS E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society - Southwest Region. Heather Burgess was named the ACS CHED Southwest Regional Award for Excellence in High School Teaching. Naomi Halas was unable to attend the Orlando meeting but will receive the Southwest Regional Award at the Southwest Regional Meeting in Fort Worth.
Lastly, we were also honored to have in attendance 50-year members Larry Dennis and Reggie Dias. Thanks to all who attended in-person and online and special thanks to the members of the Awards Committee for canvassing for nominations, serving on selection committees, and planning the Awards Banquet and ceremony.
