Update, August, 2022
Cedric Turner is in the center of the back row in this photo taken at the launch sight to celebrate Mission NS-22. Six mission astronauts are in blue.
Cedric Turner, ’76, was invited by Challenger Center and AIAA, on behalf of Club for the Future, to be a guest for the Mission NS-22 Launch of Blue Origin’s New Shepard Flight with a crew of six astronauts.
The launch took place in West Texas — view the webcast of the event here.
Reflecting on having been awarded the Trailblazing STEM Educator Award, Cedric had this to say:
“I want to tell you why this award matters to our students and community. When a person of color is recognized by mainstream society it shows value and recognition of that person achievement. When a young person of color sees that it gives them a sense of value.
Alumni Spotlight
Cedric Turner, ’76, Wins National Challenger Center and AIAA ‘Trailblazing STEM Educator Award’
“During English High’s 200th Anniversary Celebration, I think of all the things we went through that set us up to teach and train the next generation of leaders.”
Cedric Turner, a 1976 EHS graduate who has devoted his career to math and science education and young adult financial literacy, has been named one of five teachers across the U. S. to receive the prestigious 2022 ‘Trailblazing STEM Educator Award.’
Each award winner receives $5,000, their respective school receives an additional $5,000, and they get free access to Challenger Center STEM programming. Turner announced that he will donate his prize back to the program.
Turner, who teaches at Brockton (Mass.) High School, was recognized for his after-school program, ‘Empower Yourself,’ (https://empoweryourselfma.org/), that connects students to local STEM professionals and STEM competitions, and educates them about wealth management and economic success. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Asked about his focus on science, Turner says, “I always had an interest in science, especially stories about Dr. Charles Drew (blood plasma) and Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (first open-heart transplant). Their stories were in direct conflict with what I was being told as a young African American, and reading those stories and others like Elijah McCoy gave me confidence I could accomplish anything.”
“My favorite classes were math and science, but more than that, teachers talked to us about life. What I will never forget is when I was called in the principal office. I was worried because I had never been called in before. And English High Head Dr. Robert Peterkin said, “Never underestimate what I will do for you. As long as you are doing right, I got your back.”
His favorite teachers? Ron Spratling was a favorite because “he was so passionate about teaching and making sure we took advantage of our opportunities.” He also admired Mr. Fennessey, “a great teacher and sounding board.”
Asked about what led him to create his award-winning Empower Yourself program, Turner explains, “I’m a strong advocate of financial literacy and teaching it as a life skill. That lack of knowledge in our community has terrible financial outcomes such as bankruptcies, defaults and losing homes.” He’s also involved with the Global Economic Symposium in which students identify burning global issues and research possible actions. The 8th Annual GES was held in March at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
He says, “The best stories are from my former students now attending college who tell me how they hated me in high school because I pushed them really hard. They now send me notes about they appreciate what I did and its really paying off for them in college.”
“As we reflect on EHS’s 200th anniversary celebration,” Turner says, “all of the things we went through at English High – ups and downs — set us all up to teach and train the next generation of leaders.”
Cedric Turner stands in front of what was once the English High School in Boston on September 25 2021. Photo: Meredith Norman
The AIAA/Challenger Award is presented by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest aerospace technical society dedicated to advancing engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense, and by The Challenger Center to inspire students to pursue careers in these fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L.
Dan Dumbacher, AIAA Executive Director, said, “Award winners are incredible people. We are pleased to recognize these passionate and inspirational educators who are invaluable to their communities. They are enabling a diverse and robust STEM next generation.” In announcing the winners, AIAA commended all nominees for their efforts “to empower underserved and underrepresented students in STEM while using unique strategies, tools, and lessons in and out of the classroom to further energize students, especially throughout the difficult circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
