Michelle Hafey Receives Distinguished Service Award

Michelle Hafey has received the North Carolina Science Olympiad’s Dr. Jason Painter Distinguished Service Award. The award honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the North Carolina Science Olympiad.

The award was announced at the Opening Ceremony of the North Carolina Science Olympiad State Tournament in Raleigh on April 25.

“The dedication and commitment shown by the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Jason Painter Distinguished Service Award is truly commendable,” said Lisa Giacomelli, North Carolina Science Olympiad Executive Director. “Her consistent involvement in the North Carolina Science Olympiad as a coach, a volunteer, an event leader, an event writer and a regional director speaks volumes about her passion for supporting the program. From serving as the Wilmington Regional Director to receiving test material and traveling to offer handbook instruction to coaches, her efforts have made a significant impact on the Science Olympiad community. It is my pleasure to announce Michelle Hafey as the recipient of this year’s award.”

Hafey is a program associate in UNCW’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CESTEM). A former middle school science teacher, she coached a Division B Science Olympiad team for 15 years. She also served as the Division A Regional Director in Pender County for 5 years, and has served as director of the Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad competition for the past 6 years.

As director, Hafey’s role with Science Olympiad involves recruiting over a hundred volunteers and orchestrating 36 challenging and inquiry-based science events on the day of the tournament for more than 900 middle and high school students from schools across the region.

“I am incredibly proud of this recognition,” Hafey said. “Science Olympiad has been a good part of my life for 23 years. I’m fortunate to work with many dedicated coaches and volunteers to provide this science learning opportunity for students and I am honored to be associated with the other individuals that have received this award and recognition.” 

The Wilmington Regional North Carolina Science Olympiad is held annually on the UNCW campus.