The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) announced that Heidi L. Edwards, Oakwood H.S. Science Department Chair, Executive Curriculum Director for Air Camp, Dayton STEM Fellow, and SOFIA Ambassador for NASA, has been selected as the 2018 A. Scott Crossfield Educator of the Year. Edwards will receive the honor, including a $1,500 cash award, during the NAHF’s President’s Reception at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum on Thursday, September 27th, in Washington, D.C.
The Crossfield Award, founded in 1986 by NAHF Enshrinee Scott Crossfield, is a juried annual competition to recognize a teacher for his or her exemplary use of aerospace in their classroom curricula. Crossfield, who was inducted in 1983, was a renowned test pilot, research pilot and aerospace researcher. His tests with pressurized suits led to the development of the space suit.
Edwards’ accomplishments include utilizing her experience collecting and analyzing data with NASA as a SOFIA Ambassador to work with Oakwood teachers to develop and ensure the permanence of unique science and engineering opportunities for students and creating and implementing exciting and engaging aerospace curriculum for Air Camp. Her leadership has elevated Oakwood H.S. to be recognized as a leader in STEM education in Ohio and facilitated a stimulating growth of Air Camp over the last 10 years.
Amanda Wright-Lane, great-grandniece of the Wright Brothers, said of Edwards, “Heidi’s passion for working with our regional aviation assets to bring the finest STEM experiences to our community and nation has touched students and teachers across America. Her exceptional curriculum delivery is rivaled only by her genuine excitement to work with young people.”
The presentation of the Crossfield Award will be made by 2001 NAHF Enshrinee Major General Joe Engle, USAF (Ret) close to the X-15 aircraft, which Engle and Crossfield both flew. Other Enshrinees scheduled to be present for the presentation include test pilot and Apollo 8 astronaut M/Gen. William Anders, USAF, (Ret), WWII triple ace Col. Bud Anderson, USAF (Ret), test pilot and shuttle astronaut M/Gen. Charles Bolden, USMC (Ret), command pilot and historian Col. Walter Boyne, USAF (Ret), test pilot and shuttle astronaut Capt. Robert Crippen, USN (Ret), aviation artist Keith Ferris, test pilot and shuttle astronaut Capt. Hoot Gibson, USN (Ret), command pilot and aviation record holder Col. Joe Kittinger, USAF (Ret), aircraft designer and industry leader Dale Klapmeier, Tuskee Airman Col. Charles McGee, USAF (Ret) and aerobatic champion and industry legend Tom Poberezny.
The ceremony, led by emcee David Hartman, features the formal installment of the NAHF Enshrinee Class of 2018; Col. Walter Cunningham, USMC (Ret) a decorated Korean War veteran, fighter pilot, physicist, Apollo 7 Lunar Module Pilot and SKYLAB Chief; General John R. “Jack” Dailey, USMC (Ret) a decorated Vietnam veteran, Former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Chief of Staff, Former Deputy Administrator of NASA and the former Director of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. William H. “Bill” Dana was a 40 year veteran of NASA, test pilot and aeronautical engineer. He was also the project pilot for the X-15 and pilot astronaut for the X-20, among several other aircraft. Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF (Ret) is a United States Air Force Academy graduate, decorated Vietnam veteran (logging 80 missions as a Misty), Command Pilot and Parachutist, 15th Chief of Staff of the Air Force and author of the Air Force Core Values.
The event is open to the public however advance reservations are required. A limited number of sponsor tables also remain available. For reservations or more information, visit www.nationalaviation.org or call 937-256-0944 ext.16.
Founded in Dayton, the NAHF is the only Congressionally-chartered aviation hall of fame in the U.S. The NAHF, a 501(c)(3), is co-located with the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB. Its 17,000 square-foot public Learning Center offers interactive exhibits and attracts over 250,000 visitors a year. NAHF programing includes an annual Wings of Women (WOW) youth education event and other collaborations that support the NAHF’s mission of “Honoring Aerospace Legends to Inspire Future Leaders.”
