Kevin Dirksen of Eagan High School was named the 2025 Minnesota High School Chemistry Teaching Award winner by the Minnesota section of the American Chemical Society.  

One parent shared, “Mr. Dirksen, you are the reason our daughter is studying chemistry at college with the hope of teaching in a few years.”

Among the many congratulations and accolades shared on Facebook, Gus Broman credited Dirksen with inspiring future scientists. “Dirksen is a legend!” Broman said. “He did ‘flipped classroom’ when no one even knew what it was. My oldest son had him, and Dirksen was the inspiration for him to pursue his doctorate in chemistry at the University of Minnesota! This award is so well-deserved.”

Another added: “An MSU Mankato alumnus, Kevin earned both his science teaching degree and his educational leadership specialist license. His commitment to excellence in science education continues to make a lasting impact in Minnesota classrooms.”