CH.A.D.D. HONORS AREA EDUCATORS

Sixteen area educators were honored by members of the Southeast Missouri CH.A.D.D. Chapter 483 at a special meeting held recently at the Community Counseling Center. The group is part of a national support organization for children and adults with attention deficit disorders. CH.A.D.D. Coordinator Peggy Pruett, of the Community Caring Council hosted the awards with special moderator, psychologist Joan C. Morningstar, M.S.

Attention disorders, which may affect up to 10 percent of school-age children and adults, involve core symptoms of impulsivity, inattention, erratic attendance to task, and sometimes acute hyperactivity. Often difficult to diagnose, A.D.D. may present significant social, psychological, and educational problems.

Monday's First Annual Special Educator Awards were presented to educators and counselors in the Jackson and Cape Girardeau area through specific nominations from students, parents, and families. Nominating statements were read aloud as introduction of each award.

One nomination stated, "Attention disorders can be an intangible roadblock, keeping even bright or gifted students from finding their way to success in school. These special educators know that not every child can follow the same map, but with their help, ther are always new pathways to success."

Those honored received framed certificates and sponsor gifts as well as copies of the CH.A.D.D. Educator's Resource Guide for their respective schools and institutions.

Among Jackson school teachers and principals receiving the awards were Mary Green, teacher at Jackson High School, Carole Baugh and Andrea Sachse, teachers at Jackson's West Lane Elementary and Donna Stephens, Howard Lewis, and Candy Brazil, all teachers at Orchard Elementary in Jackson.

Jackson school counselors honored were Marsha Clark, counselor at Orchard Elementary and Judy Statler, counselor at West Lane Elementary.