The Teacher's Inspiration Award

In a unique collaboration, Prestwick Rotary have joined former pupil Professor Norman Lewis, Regents Professor of Biology at Washington State University in supporting Prestwick Academy's Teacher Inspiration Award, 2018.

The Teacher's Inspiration Award supports a number of local young people who are due to start University in this exciting new stage in their life.

Professor Lewis already funded two scholarships annually in memory of his grandparents. He is particularly interested in promoting science-based higher education. He threw out the challenge to the Prestwick community-he would sponsor a further scholarship if it was matched by another organisation or business, enabling additional support for a total of 4 local young people annually. Prestwick Rotary Club members were unanimous in their decision to raise the finances to match Professor Lewis's proposition.

There are many challenges for young people, and their families, when a University career is embarked upon. The Teacher Inspiration Award is designed to reduce some of these challenges and to help smooth the transition. The new Award also enables the scope of the higher education courses supported to be widened.

Prestwick Rotary President Richie Cameron said, ‘The Rotary Club is so proud to have this opportunity to collaborate with the Academy and Professor Lewis in this small way, assisting local young people to realise their full potential, In fact it is difficult to think of anything better to contribute to and we wish the recipients every success’.