Upper Dublin students and staff surprise Richard Schmidt, center, with a flower bouquet to celebrate his selection as the Outstanding Educator in the 2025 Upper Dublin Medals Program. Schmidt is a science teacher at the high school. At far left is Robert Schultz, Upper Dublin High School Principal, and at far right, Julien Drennan, Upper Dublin School District Assistant Superintendent. (Credit: Upper Dublin Medals)
The five medal winners have been chosen in the 41st annual Upper Dublin Medals Program. The 2025 honorees are: Richard Schmidt, Upper Dublin High School Earth Science Teacher, Educator; Sharon Cooke-Vargas, North Hills After-School Program Director, Citizen; Veronika Lambert, Upper Dublin Tree Tenders, Non-Profit Organization; and William Matthews and Avery Solomon, Senior Students.
The community is invited to attend the awards reception and ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, at the Upper Dublin Public Library. A Sweet & Savory Dessert Reception begins at 7 p.m. and awards ceremony at 8 p.m. in the spacious auditorium. Reservations online at udefoundation.org/udmedals. $30 per person or $35 At-the-door.
Educator
Richard Schmidt has worked in the school district since 1993. He developed the Earth and Space Program, rewrote the general science program into Forensic Science, and established the Advanced Earth and Science curriculum, a course rarely found in public high schools. Under his enthusiastic efforts, the Earth & Space curriculum offers opportunities for students to make weather forecasts at STORMCASTS.
Schmidt was one of only 97 science and math teachers nationwide to be honored in Washington, D.C. with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science, the highest level honor for K– 12 math and science educators.
Citizen
Sharon Cooke-Vargas is one of the last remaining African-American Women Army Corps soldiers from the Vietnam era. Her military service taught her three prominent assumptions: the power of service, the importance of justice, and the value of every human being.
These viewpoints support her role as the North Hills After-School Program Director. Her primary focus is the wellbeing and success of the students, providing them with platforms to help them pursue meaningful academic achievements. She develops special program offerings, including recreational activities that engage students in essential learning areas.
Non-profit
Upper Dublin Tree Tenders (UDTT) was established after the September 2021 EF 2 Tornado ripped a two-mile path of destruction through areas of Fort Washington and Maple Glen. Besides the damage to homes and other essential buildings, the tornado destroyed more than 25,000 mature trees.
Almost immediately, Veronika Lambert took action, first reaching out to the PA Horticultural Society (PHS). She and other volunteers completed required PHS fieldwork, testing and classroom hours to become the PHS Tree Tender Chapter in Upper Dublin.
UDTT has planted no less than 920 native trees in the tornado-affected areas. The group has sustained itself through successful grant applications and also provides educational events for students and community members.
Students
William Matthews is an AP Scholar, a National Honor Society member and has been on the honor roll all during high school. He is part of the German Club and participated in MiniTHON. Matthews was captain of the high school Varsity Water Polo team three times and was named 2024 PA Player of the Year. Matthews introduced about 30 elementary students to Youth Water Polo at clinics he founded, raising almost $1,000 to enhance the water polo program.
Matthews also swam at the varsity level and earned medals in seven District One meets this season. He was part of the 200-medley relay, whose time broke the high school and District One record.
Avery Solomon is a National Honors Society member, president of the Student Government Association and an AP Scholar with Honors. She is a Spanish Culture Club member and active with MniTHON. Working with the school’s Guidance Department, Solomon is a Guidance Assistant/Orientation Leader who helps incoming freshmen and transfer students transition more easily.
Solomon enjoys dance, competing in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and Hip Hop. Since 2008, she has participated in several annual competitions, performing 13 different dances. Her volunteer efforts include competitive dance instruction, teaching first grade students about Jewish culture, and work as a doctor’s office assistant.
This unique and prestigious 41st annual event is sponsored by Upper Dublin School District, Upper Dublin Township, and the Upper Dublin Education Foundation, which benefits from event proceeds. For more information, contact Brooke Evans, school district, 215-643-8802.
