MEMORIAL TO PROFESSOR ELENA ŠAPOKIENĖ

On behalf of the editorial board of the Gamtamokslinis ugdymas / Natural Science Education, it is my honor to dedicate this short message to Professor Elena Šapokienė. Professor Elena Šapokienė, 81, died on November 20, 2009. The cause of death was a long illness. E.Šapokienė was a member of Editorial Board of this journal. Also she was famous researcher in science education not only in Lithuania but abroad too. Her research centered on the development of science education in general and on the promotion of environmental education and environmental protection particularly. Specifically, she investigated different aspects of environmental education of youth and adults and suggested many important recommendations related to the improvement of this activity. Generally speaking, her contribution into development of science (and not only) education is obviously significant. She worked so intensively for many years in different fields of education. I want to point out one important moment that nothing made Professor Šapokienė prouder than seeing her former students excel. Professor Šapokienė was more than a professor. She was a leader of Utenos extramural youth club „Viola". She was available to students and other people (or col-leagues) aproximately at every time to help them not only with the official matters, but also to serve as a friend, mentor and counselor. It is reasonable to state that Professor Šapokienė was assured that young environmentalists` activity helps to solve main problems of the Lithuanian education reform: youth integration, activities for youth, development of independent thinking and building democratic society. Though we grieve for the loss of such a distinguished scholar, we rejoice in knowing that so many of us had the privilege of knowing such a wonderful person. I am sure that her impact on the science education and particularly on the environmental education will be felt for years to come.