Honoring teachers

Five teachers in Cape Girardeau -- three from public schools, one from a parochial school and one university professor -- have received this year's special recognition from the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. The honorees:n Shawn Brooks, fourth-grade teacher at Alma Schrader Elementary School.

* Yvonne Campbell, kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.

* Susan Cook, guidance counselor at Clippard and Franklin elementary schools.

* Patricia Heisserer, social studies teacher at St. Vincent de Paul School.

* Dr. Jeremy Barnes, professor of health promotion at Southeast Missouri State University.

Information gathered on this year's nominees shows how blessed we are to have men and women dedicated to teaching and who give much of their time, energy and talent to helping students far beyond their classrooms.

It takes a special person to be a teacher, someone who not only knows the material being taught, but also can challenge students to strive to do their very best.

This year's teacher-honorees exemplify the noblest qualities of their profession. Congratulations to all those who received special recognition.