CHAMBER NAMES EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR

Four Cape Girardeau educators agree that teaching reaches far beyond subject matter and classrooms. Dedication to students and education have earned the four the distinction of being named 1997 Chamber of Commerce Educators of the Year.

Honorees are Dr. Barbara Capshaw Kohlfeld, administration; Catherine L. Kapfer, elementary education; Kathy Wright, secondary education; and Dr. Keith Russell, Southeast Missouri State University.

The award program, sponsored by the chamber's education committee, began in 1994. The university category is new for 1997.

Kohlfeld is principal at May Greene Elementary School and has over 17 years of teaching experience.

"Children are gifts from God that should be cherished, protected and nurtured," Kohlfeld said. "Our school has a family atmosphere; we want everyone to feel needed and everyone to feel special."

Kapfer works with learning disabled students at Franklin Elementary School. She has been an educator for 20 years.

"In every teacher's career there comes a time when she is aware that no textbook or magic wand exists to help a child learn," Kapfer said. "She realizes it is up to her to make the difference in a child's education."

When a teacher reaches that realization, "the amount of joy and sense of accomplishment is unbelievable. The entire experience is truly a gift from God," said Kapfer.

Wright teaches chemistry and biology at Cape Girardeau Central High School. She has been a teacher for 23 years.

"Teaching is not just a subject-area job," Wright said. "It is working with the whole individual and all the outside problems that person faces every day. Working through these, being there for these young people and watching them develop their full potential is a very fascinating and exciting profession."

Russell is a professor in the department of accounting, finance and business law at Southeast Missouri State. He has 25 years of teaching experience. In addition, Russell has been involved in community and civic activities since moving to Cape Girardeau in 1985.

Student evaluations show his success as an educator. One student wrote: "No question, the best instructor in the College of Business. He has a good understanding of real-world life and tries to explain his knowledge to his students."

Another wrote: "He is an excellent professor and appears to love his job. All students should have an opportunity to be educated by him."

Nancy Bray, chairman of the chamber's education committee, said the awards focus attention on excellence in education.

"Business sees the need to become actively involved in education, and education sees the need to become involved with business," Bray said. "The chamber wants to recognize local educators for their efforts and the role they play in our community."

The public is invited to the Educators of the Year Awards dinner May 1 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. Honorees each will receive a $500 cash award and a commemorative gift.

In 1996, recipients were Mary Ann Lewis, elementary; Shelby Ann Shell, secondary; Barbara A. Lohr, vocational; and Richard B. Giles, administration.