CHAMBER ACCEPTING NOMINEES FOR EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce is looking for the best and the brightest educators in Cape Girardeau to recognize with their annual Educator of the Year awards program.

This year marks the fifth time the Chamber's education committee has sponsored the award presentation. Special projects director Linda Minner said nominations have come in steadily since the competition began. Normally, 100 or more nominations are received, she said.

Minner said candidates for the awards can represent one of four award categories: elementary, secondary, administration and post-secondary vocational. The administration category includes supervisory positions such as principals, assistant principals and directors, she said.

Successful candidates for the awards must be full-time educators working in public, private parochial or business schools within the Cape Girardeau city limits will be honored.

Nominations may be submitted in writing by any person or group in the community. A special committee will review the candidates' written materials, conduct interviews and choose the winners in each category.

Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 21. Applications will be distributed to candidates as nominations are received. These materials must be completed by Feb. 16, 1998. Winners will be announced on April 3, 1998, and they'll be honored during an awards dinner May 7, 1998. Each winner will receive a $500 cash award and a crystal apple.