2007 “Reach for the Stars” Awardees and Nominees


The WID-GFC “Reach for the Stars” Awards were presented to the following inspirational people in the Greater Frederick area who are demonstrating our vision of motivating young people to excel, especially in the math and science fields:



“Reach for the Stars” Awardees


Carrie Arnold-Gutierrez

Craft Training Manager
ACE Mentoring Program Lead
Bechtel Construction Operations Incorporated


Barbara Birnman

Public Affairs Specialist
Office of Outreach and Special Programs
National Cancer Institute at Frederick


Elizabeth Leffel, PhD

Toxicologist; Program Manager for GEMS
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
Fort Detrick


Ronnie Voigt

4th Grade Teacher
Walkersville Elementary School
Frederick County Public Schools




“Reach for the Stars” Nominees


Douglas Abrecht

7th Grade Science Teacher
Crestwood Middle School


Nicole Close

Biostatistician
Clinical Research Management


James Deegan

Math Teacher/Athletics Director
Tuscarora High School


Carol Forman

Math Teacher
Catoctin High School


Heather Graves

Math Teacher
Brunswick High School


Keri Grossnickle

Teacher/Renzulli Specialist
Crestwood Middle School


Theresa Harrison

Company President
Athenyx Corporation


Susan Harwell

Information Technology Specialist
Defense Medical Standardization Board, Fort Detrick


Jean Hulse-Hayman

Math Teacher
Clarksburg High School


Kathy Koops

Nursing Instructor
Frederick County Public Schools Career and Technology Center


Becky Miller

5th Grade Teacher
Thurmont Elementary School


Laura Sanders

3rd Grade Teacher
Liberty Elementary School


Mary-Paula Walsh, PhD

Director of Research and Evaluation
Synthesis Professional Services