Norma Bursaw, A Salem High science teacher known to students as a hands-on, easy-going instructor, has been honored by President George W. Bush with the 2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the Nation’s highest honor for teaching in these fields. Mrs. Bursaw is the only science winner from New Hampshire and one of 100 7^th through 12^th grade teachers nationwide to receive the prestigious award. The award is funded by the National Science Foundation. As a winner she receives a $10,000 prize and a trip to Washington, D.C., where she will participate in a week of celebratory events and professional development activities. Bursaw has been an advisor to the Environmental and Biotechnology clubs, coordinator of the Antioch New England Graduate School’s Education by Design program and an advisory board member of the Advancing Science Program, a UNH-based group that specializes in training teachers in their classrooms to use high-end scientific equipment that has been donated from companies.

Salem High School has been singled out by the Siemens Foundation for excellence in its Advanced Placement programs. Seimens sponsors the Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science & Technology announced it has awarded the high school a $1,000 grant to support its math and science programs. One school from each of the 50 states in chosen based on the number of students participating in Advanced Placement classes as well as those students’ performances in math and science.

The Salem Blue Winter Guard Team is celebrating its biggest achievement in years after the color guard placed second in the Independent A class at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The WGI World Championships are a three-day event that draws more than 300 color guards and 150 percussion ensembles from 40 states and five countries.

Four automated external defibrillators (AED) have been donated to Salem High School. The Kiwanis Club of Salem and the Caron family each purchased wall mounted AEDs and The Greater Salem Rotary club purchased two portable AEDs for traveling with our athletic teams and the band. Donations from Walmart and the Cassaro and Manning families made it possible to purchase cabinets for the wall mounted units. The SHS parent volunteers were also instrumental in making the community aware of the need for these devices.

AEDs are used on sudden cardiac arrest victims and work by giving the heart a controlled electric shock, jolting it back into regular rhythm. They can be used by non-medical personnel and are used by first responders.

Salem High School and the Salem Community would like to say a great big THANK YOU to all who contributed towards these lifesaving devices.