Don Dosch is so proud of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy he has, jokingly, petitioned the school to change the order of the subjects in the academy's name.

The academy Thursday celebrated being named the nationwide winner of the Intel Star Innovator Award, an annual award presented to an educational institution that has a comprehensive program incorporating innovative and effective use of technology, engaging parents and the community in education and producing consistently high academic standards.

From more than 700 applicants, IMSA was named one of the six 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction award recipients. From those six, IMSA was selected to receive the top honor.

Dosch and his faculty members broke it down even further when presenting a list of the Top Ten Reasons science is better than math, including "Science gets museums and math gets NADA," "Science labs set off fire alarms," "Nothing ever blows up in math class" and "Scientists actually get to eat pie, not calculate it."

On a more serious note, founding President Stephanie Pace Marshall called the award a culmination of the school's 23-year history and dedication to improving the lives of humankind.

"Today is a spectacular celebration of the strides we have made and a nod to the collective decision we have made, not to follow, but to lead," she said. "I am immensely proud of all of you."

Aurora Mayor Tom Wiesner and state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia of Aurora also joined Thursday's celebration bearing gifts, Chapa LaVia a copy of a House resolution honoring the school's achievements and Weisner, a street sign acknowledging the award to be hung at several of the city's border streets and on campus.

"We want everyone in the city to know how proud we are of your achievements," he said.

For winning the award, the academy receives a check for $25,000 and equipment from Intel and other sponsors.