People you should know 2/25

Age: 31

Key responsibilities: My main responsibility is to advise the largest yearbook in the area, the Girardot. I also currently teach junior and senior English classes.

How long have you lived in Cape Girardeau? I was born and raised in Cape. I love it here because my family is here.

Education: I completed a bachelor of arts in English in 1994 from SEMO. I am currently working on my Alternative Certification in teaching as well as a master's degree in secondary education.

Community involvement: I am the publicity chairman for the Southeast Missouri Kennel Club, which holds two all-breed dog shows at Arena Park each June. I am also still very active in teaching American Red Cross swimming lessons. I ran the City of Cape swim program for 10 years and I still teach some for the Kiwanis Learn-to-Swim program.

Professional background: I have been teaching something for as long as I can remember. It began with swimming, progressed to CPR and first aid and now it is English and yearbook. Next year I will add the high school newspaper to my list!

Name a Cape Girardeau business person you admire and why: I really admire my parents and the time and effort they put into their dog business. They have a boarding kennel for dogs and cats and they both show dogs at many dog shows each year. Their passion for what they do makes me very proud of all they accomplished in the last 30-plus years.

Last book you read: I am beginning "Seabiscuit: An American Legend," by Laura Hildebrand next. I don't often read biographies, but this one is supposed to be excellent.

What I wanted to be when I was a child: A veterinarian, so my parents could get free vet care for the dogs.

How I chose this career: By default. My mom was a teacher before I was born and I guess it was in my blood.

What is the biggest obstacle you've overcome and how: I've had it pretty good and I've been lucky with my life. I think the biggest obstacle was finding a job that I like and that I think I am good at. That's a combination many people never find in a job.

My best advice to someone new in my field: Treat kids like human beings and don't EVER forget what it was like to be young. Teaching should be enjoyable and rewarding for both teacher and student.

Hobbies, interests: Reading, swimming, playing pool and obviously pets (mostly dogs and cats, but I adore all animals).

Accomplishment you are most proud of: Winning APA Area Wide Pool Championship with my team in 1995. It is also surviving my first year of advising the yearbook. I look back on last year and I am amazed that I did it! I must have flown by the seat of my pants.

Secret ambition: To be the next Loree Jon Jones on the women's pro billiard tour.

NEXT WEEK: MARSHA HASKELL, REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR SOUTHWESTERN BELL.

WHO DO YOU KNOW?

If you know someone who should be featured in "People You Should Know," contact Scott Moyers at 335-6611, extension 137, or by e-mail at smoyers@semissourian.com.