Brian Whitson received the Geoffrey G. Eichholz Outstanding Science Teacher Award at the National Health Physics Society’s annual meeting in Pittsburgh in July.
The award honors the high school teacher who has made the most significant contribution to the education of students in topics related to the field of radiation safety.
Whitson taught chemistry at Salisbury High School for 10 years. Members of the North Carolina Health Physics Society initiated the nomination along with the assistance of Salisbury High School principal Dr. Windsor Eagle.
Whitson was introduced at the awards ceremony with these words from Eagle’s recommendation letter:
“In only a few short years, Brian increased the chemistry program from three classes of 60 students to eight classes of over 160 students … Brian is a truly exceptional individual. Parents, students and fellow faculty members revere and admire him. He is a true professional in every facet of his behavior and personality.”
The award consists of a citation and plaque, cash award of $750 to Salisbury High School in Whitson’s name and an honorary membership in the National Health Physics Society.
In his acceptance speech, Whitson discussed his unique teaching approach to the topic of nuclear power, which increased the understanding and opened the minds of his students to make more informed choices regarding nuclear energy.
The North Carolina Health Physics Society will also honor Whitson at its annual meeting in Charlotte in November.