Stories of 2012: Teacher Awarded for Leadership in Science

Merrimack Patch has it's first full year in the books and what a year it's been! We re-elected President Barack Obama to another four years, and hey, the Mayan apocalypse didn't happen, so congratulations, we're all still here.

From the opening of the Merrimack Premium Outlets to another Halloween storm that cut power to thousands for days, there's been no shortage of news in town. We've seen businesses and residents in the community doing wonderful things to support their neighbors and communities as far away as Haiti. There's been business growth, and sadly a few closures.

There have been exciting moments in sports with the boys varsity basketball state championship, the baseball team playing, but unfortunately losing their state championship, and the Merrimack Cardinals Midget Cheerleaders win at nationals earlier this month. Another Rock'n Ribfest was written into the books, as was a continually-growing Merrimack Fall Festival and Business Expo, and the midway returned to town on the Fourth of July after a short hiatus.

Join us as we count down some of the top stories of the year between today and Dec. 30. Thank you for making this a wonderful year. Enjoy the final days of 2012, we can't wait to see what 2013 has in store!

6. Teacher Awarded for Leadership in Science

In February, Merrimack High School science teacher Sean Muller was honored by Cubist Pharmaceuticals in conjunction with and the New England Patriots and 98.5 The Sports Hub as the winner of their Science Education Leadership Award. In addition to being selected among dozens of nominated teachers from around New England, Muller was awarded $5,000 to share with the science department at Merrimack High School.

Muller, who was nominated by a former student, said during the assembly honoring him that he'll never forget hearing his name on the radio announcing him as a finalist in Cubist's third annual competition. He first found out about the competition late one night in November, listening to the Patriots beat the Jets on a radio broadcast.

“I almost fell out of my chair when during a break in play I heard my name on the radio,” Muller said. “It doesn't get much better than that; destroying the Jets and hearing your name on the radio during a Patriots game.”

Read the original story about Muller's award.

Catch up on our other stories of the year:

7. Building a Sense of Community

8. Gone too soon

 9. Jehovah's Witnesses Get OK to Build