On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, the JASON Learning community will pause to remember Hilda E. Taylor: educator, colleague, and friend. Hilda believed deeply in the power of curiosity, exploration, authentic science, and hands-on learning.
Through her involvement with the JASON Project, she brought the excitement of real-world scientific discovery into her classroom and created opportunities for her students to experience a world far beyond the walls of their school.
Hilda was among the educators and students traveling with a National Geographic educational group aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001.
Following her death, members of the JASON Teacher Advisory Council created the Hilda E. Taylor Award to ensure that the qualities Hilda brought to teaching would continue to be recognized and carried forward by other educators. Twenty-five years later, JASON Learning is proud to revive the Hilda E. Taylor Award. This is more than bringing back an award from JASON’s past. It is an opportunity to introduce today’s educators and students to who Hilda was, what she stood for, and why her approach to education still matters. The renewed award will recognize an experienced JASON educator who demonstrates Hilda’s spirit of curiosity, compassion, courage, collaboration, lifelong learning, commitment to students, and belief in the power of authentic scientific exploration.
The Hilda E. Taylor Award becomes a bridge between JASON’s history and its future – honoring where we came from while recognizing educators who are carrying that same spirit forward today.
A Personal Reflection
Cindy McGlynn, former JASON Argonaut, had the privilege of knowing Hilda through the JASON Project and traveling with her to Peru, where we explored and studied the Amazon Rainforest. Hilda and Cindy were bunkmates on that expedition, and Cindy had the opportunity to know her not only as an extraordinary educator, but as a friend and fellow JASON teacher.
Cindy reminisced on the joy Hilda brought to our time together in the Amazon. She shared stories about growing up in Sierra Leone and was delighted when she recognized plants in the rainforest that reminded her of those she knew in her home country – including the cacao plant and its cocoa beans. Cindy remembers her wonderful laughter, her happiness, her curiosity, and the excitement she found in making connections between the world around her and the world she had known growing up.
When Cindy thinks of Hilda, her first thought is not an award. She remembers the person – the stories she shared, the things that fascinated her, the laughter they shared, and the joy she brought to an extraordinary JASON experience. Cindy hopes that throguh reviving this award, a new generation of JASON educators and students know the remarkable person begind the name Hilda E. Taylor, and inspire us to recognize educators who continue to carry her spirit forward.
Nominations Open on September 11, 2026
Beginning today, members of the JASON Learning community are invited to nominate an educator for the revived Hilda E. Taylor Award. The nomination form can be found here.
Nominees must:
- Have of meaningful experience and involvement with JASON Learning/JASON Project programs. The time does not need to be consecutive.
- Be an educator or education professional who has directly influenced student learning.
- Demonstrate meaningful implementation of JASON Learning and its educational mission.
Nominees will be considered for their ability to:
- Inspire Students: Spark curiosity, exploration, confidence, and a desire to learn.
- Bring Authentic Science and JASON Learning to Life: Connect learning with authentic science, STEM careers, exploration, and real-world challenges.
- Demonstrate Commitment to Every Student: Believe in the potential of all learners and create meaningful opportunities for students different abilities, and experiences.
- Model Curiosity, Courage, and Lifelong Learning: Continue to explore, learn, grow, and model these qualities for students.
- Lead, Collaborate, and Share: Support other educators, share successful practices, and contribute to the larger educational community.
- Demonstrate Sustained Impact Through JASON Learning: Show how meaningful involvement with JASON has influenced students, colleagues, schools, or communities over time.
- Carry Hilda’s Legacy Forward: Demonstrate through actions, relationships, and educational practice the qualities and values that the Hilda E. Taylor Award was created to honor.
Nominations are due by December 18, 2026.
Hilda’s legacy continues through the educators who inspire the next generation to explore, discover, question, and believe in what is possible.
