Every year, two of North’s senior girls are nominated by the math and science faculty to receive an award from the American Association of University Women (AAUW). It is called the STEM award for Science Technology Engineering Math. This year, senior Maddie Eifert received the award for science, and senior Carly Wagner was the recipient in the math category.

“My favorite part was probably speaking to the women that belonged to the AAUW about what they do as an organization supporting females in the STEM fields,” Eifert said.

The awards ceremony was held at the First United Methodist Church in St. Charles at 6:30 pm. on Thurs. March 7. This year was the 19th time the awards have been given out. The awards went to 14 girls from local schools around St. Charles county. Each of the seven schools had two girls who were recognized for their outstanding academic skills.

“The best part of receiving the award was being a part of a small, elite group of female students that enjoy science and math like I do,” Eifert said.

According to Wagner, the best part of receiving the award was knowing that her teachers recognized all of her hard work in math. While at the ceremony, the recipients met with AAUW members and were presented their awards. Each girl had to write a two minute speech where they could share their interests, and future education and career paths.

“I was nervous about giving a speech especially since I had to talk about myself.” Wagner said.

In Eifert’s speech she talked about her interests, like genetics and volleyball, and her future plans at the University of Missouri Columbia as a biology major.

“It was really exciting for Maddie to get the award,” Eifert’s sister in 11th grade, Kaitlin, said. “I always kind of figured she would get some kind of science award because of all of the classes she’s taken and that’s what she wants to do in the future.”