It is not every day a famous, hands-on science expert and National Geographic explorer visits elementary students. Dr. Mireya Mayor, celebrated primatologist and award winning TV host, visited students at Elmwood, Maple Leaf and William Foster in Garfield Heights. The former NFL cheerleader, daughter of Cuban immigrants and mother of six, is not your typical scientist. Dr. Mayor is best known for exploring the most remote regions of the earth in search of elusive, rare and little-known animals. Her explorations have led to several scientific discoveries, most notable her co-discovery in Madagascar of the world’s smallest primate, a species previously unknown to science. Dr. Mayor is also a Two-Time Emmy Winning National Geographic Field Correspondent. She entertained and educated students with stories of her expeditions, and the dangers and challenges she faced in the field. Dr. Mayor used fun, interactive and informative presentations with the students. She encouraged students to follow their passions, and not let fear of the unknown or fear of failure stand in their way. Her final message: “Today’s young people are our future!”
The GHCS uses two National Geographic curricula: Reach for Reading and National Geographic Science, and Dr. Mayor helped to explain first-hand the value that these programs demonstrate in making connections between what they are learning in the classroom and how these skills relate to professions, especially in science-related fields. Our close relationship with the National Geographic curriculum support team lead to their offer to bring Dr. Mayor to the Garfield Heights City Schools. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Mireya Mayor and her team for visiting our students.