This is the 20th year for the Peter B. Wagner Award For Women in Atmospheric Science and it is founded by Sue Wagner in remembrance of her husband Peter. While he is no longer with us, Sue's love for her husband Peter remains. His encouragement and support towards her and her political career meant the world to her. Wagner served in the State Assembly and Senate and was Nevada's only woman lieutenant governor. She says her two children also want to keep the memory of their father alive.

"It was emotional for them the first time cause they were 9 and 10 when they're dad was killed and it was you know say goodbye to your dad or husband as he goes off to work and he doesn't come back," said Wagner.

Peter Wagner died in a plane crash in 1980 while conducting meteorological research. Wagner created a scholarship in his memory to honor him and encourage young women to dream big. 

"Some of the women I've met through the 20 years has been phenomenal," said Wagner.

While she admires the winner's work ethic and determination, her kids see that in her as well. 

"My son has told me, written me, I saved the letter that said you're the strongest person I'll probably ever know," said Wagner.

While there is a confidence about her, you could say she stays humble too. 

"I always think to myself that I'm not special, that anybody else could have run for office and won if they worked hard," said Wagner.

Family has always been her number one though. She hopes to have her kids follow in her footsteps and carry on the scholarship in their dad's name. 

This year's award ceremony is Thursday at noon at DRI in which the award is through. Peter was also an employee of DRI before passing almost thirty years ago.

For more information on the Peter B. Wagner Award For Women In Atmospheric Science, visit this link here: https://www.dri.edu/wagner-award-for-women-in-atmospheric-sciences.