The Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) selected three Prince William County Public School (PWCS) educators to receive its annual RISE Award for exemplary contributions to science education.

The VAST Recognition in Science Education award (RISE award) is presented to only a small number of educators across all levels in Virginia schools. School administrators and businesses may also be recognized for their support and contributions to quality science education.

On Nov. 17, VAST held its RISE awards ceremony as part of the Professional Development Institute conference in Roanoke. These PWCS educators, chosen for RISE awards by the VAST Awards Committee, are among only 13 recipients in the state for 2023

In the elementary school category: Keaton Beaumont, fifth grade science teacher at Dale City Elementary School, who has been teaching at Dale City Elementary since joining the division in 2017.

Before working in education, Beaumont held positions in the private sector and served in the military, holding such roles as Congressional Affairs officer for the Department of the Army and branch chief for compensation/entitlements for the Joint Staff-Pentagon.

Beaumont has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and master’s degrees in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College; defense and strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College; and elementary education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.