Introducing the Lorna Collins Spirit Award

The Let's Talk Science Challenge started in 2005 as a fun, free and easy way to engage youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning inside/outside the classroom but it has turned into so much more.

As part of the in-person Let’s Talk Science Challenge, each year we award a spirit award to a team at each location to recognize the most enthusiastic group on the day of the Challenge event.

This year, the spirit award has been renamed to recognize Lorna Collins, a Let’s Talk Science staff member who sadly passed away early in 2020 - a substantial loss to her family, friends and the Let’s Talk Science family.

“Let’s Talk Science has maintained a strong sense of caring and family culture. For more than 8 years, Lorna was a driving force and a key champion in developing and supporting this culture.  She lived our values and helped keep us on track, always boosting morale. She was always a champion for our people and our work.” - Bonnie Schmidt, President & Founder of Let’s Talk Science.

Renaming the Let’s Talk Science Challenge Spirit Award to the “Lorna Collins Spirit Award” was a fitting tribute, given her dedication and commitment to teamwork, fun and creativity and her love of science and youth. She was actively involved in the planning and organization of the Challenge for a number of years. Lorna’s smile, laugh and passion for caring for those around her were infectious - she made a positive impact on anyone she came into contact with.

Defining the Lorna Collins Spirit Award

The Lorna Collins Spirit Award is given to the team or individual that shows the greatest spirit, team commitment, fun and creativity. Students are encouraged to get creative with outfits, artwork or videos to show their spirit and stand out from the crowd!

This year, teams and individuals demonstrated incredible versatility and enthusiasm in their video entries for the award. From poems, songs, artwork and animations - these students went above and beyond!

Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists of the Lorna Collins Spirit Award!