June 3, 2025
Mick Burkett with Bishop Walsh Principal Jennifer Flinn and six former and current students.
Michael “Mick” Burkett is the winner of the 2025 Appalachian Laboratory Inspiration Award. The award, launched in honor of the Lab’s 60th anniversary in 2022, recognizes those individuals and organizations in the tri-state region who inspire future generations of STEM professionals by supporting or delivering quality STEM programming. Past winners include Robotics and Engineering in Allegany County Together (REACT) and the Garrett Coalition (GaCo).
Burkett, who has taught science at the Bishop Walsh School for 29 years, demonstrates his commitment to science and student learning through his many roles at the school, including Science Department Chair, STEM Coordinator, STEM afterschool program coordinator, and robotics team coach.
“Science to my brother is not just a subject, but a way to view life and questions, to push boundaries of what students can achieve and what their minds can understand,” said Bill Burkett.
“Mick Burkett embodies the very spirit of the Appalachian Laboratory Inspiration Award,” agreed Bishop Walsh Principal Jennifer Flinn. “As a teacher, mentor, and innovator, he has transformed STEM education at Bishop Walsh School into a dynamic and hands-on experience that ignites curiosity and creativity in students of all ages. His passion for science is contagious, and his impact in and out of the classroom will be felt for generations. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary contributions to education and to our community.”
Dr. David Nelson and Mick Burkett with Mike Fiscus and Barry Hartung, board members with past winner, REACT
Dr. David Nelson, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory Director, noted the important impact of STEM programs on students and the region.
“The Inspiration Award recognizes those in our region, like Mick, who are playing a part in the story of future scientists,” he said. “The work they do in the STEM space to engage students and promote critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity creates a foundation for their future success and supports economic development that helps our region thrive.”
The BW Grows program, a student-led agribusiness organized and advised by Burkett, serves as an example of a STEM program that merges student learning and regional economic development. The program teaches students business skills while also teaching them to cultivate plants hydroponically, or without soil, as well as aquaponically, a growing method which combines hydroponics with the raising of aquatic animals, otherwise known as aquaculture. The food produced through the program meets nutritional needs at the school and in the community.
“You are the scientists, artists, engineers, educators, caregivers, and future leaders who will shape what’s to come. That gives me more purpose, and more passion, than ever before,” Burkett told his students upon receiving the award. “You inspire me to keep growing because you deserve nothing less than someone who believes in your limitless potential.”
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor to the award program, Burkett received a $500 honorarium along with his plaque at a special ceremony on May 15 at the UMCES Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, MD. The honorarium will be used to support continued STEM activities at Bishop Walsh School.
Visit www.bishopwalsh.org/academics/stem to learn more about the STEM program at the Bishop Walsh School. To learn more about the Appalachian Laboratory Inspiration Award, including how to submit a nomination or support this award, visit www.umces.edu/al/inspiration-award.
