Los Padillas Principal Meets First Lady at Award Ceremony

Los Padillas Principal Sara Keeney (left) and Explora Executive Director Dr. Patrick Lopez accept a 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from First Lady Michelle Obama.

January 4, 2011

Los Padillas Elementary Principal Sara Keeney recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with representatives of the Explora Science Museum to accept an Institute of Museum and Library Sciences award from First Lady Michelle Obama. Keeney serves as a community representative for Explora.

Explora is one of 10 museums or libraries across the country to receive a 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Keeney, Explora's board president Len Duda, executive director Dr. Patrick Lopez and associate director Paul Tatter attended the White House ceremony. The IMLS gives the award to museums and libraries demonstrating commitment to public service through innovative programs and community partnerships.

Each medal winner was asked to invite one community member who could illustrate the institutions’ impact through a personal story.

Keeney said she has found fresh approaches for engaging teachers, students and their parents through Explora's inquiry-based programs that encourage critical thinking and foster lifelong science learning.

“Our families are engaged in survival, but Explora helped us reach out to them in ways we hadn't thought of,” Keeney said.

Explora and the other winners will receive a $10,000 prize to help raise public awareness of the good work the institutions are doing in their communities.