JACKSON CHAMBER HANDS OUT EDUCATOR OF YEAR AWARDS

Three teachers and a library media specialist were named Educators of the Year by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

Linda Suedekum, kindergarten teacher; and Diana Hughes and Mary Pensel, special education teachers; and Diane Gregg, a library media specialist, received their awards Monday at a banquet at the Route 25 Hall.

Suedekum has taught kindergarten for 29 years in the Jackson School District.

Suedekum, who taught two years outside of Jackson, said she enjoys watching the children's faces as they do their lessons.

"They are so anxious to learn," she said.

Even after 30 years of teaching, remains dedicated to her students and her school.

Hughes has been in the Jackson School District 12 years, working with students with behavioral disorders and learning disabilities.

Pensel has spent 12 of her 24 years in teaching in the Jackson District and currently works with high school students in the learning disabled and resource and work transition program.

She finds it "thrilling to see her students appreciate their own talents, however small the rest of the world may view the accomplishments."

Gregg calls her students the heart of her job.

She has been at Jackson for 11 of her 25 years in education.

JACKSON FFA MEMBERS WIN AWARDS AT STATE CONVENTION

HeaJACKSON FFA MEMBERS WIN AWARDS AT STATE CONVENTIONdline:

JACKSON, Mo. -- Jackson Future Farmers of America members won several awards at the 73rd annual state FFA convention in Columbia, Mo., April 19-20.

Chapter advisers are Dan Burkemper and David Wells.

The Jackson FFA Chapter placed fourth in the Parliamentary Procedure Contest. Team members were Cory Aufdenberg, Scott Crader, John Nothdurft, Aaron Puchbauer and Nikki Wells.

Crader, a Jackson High School senior, was named state winner of the Specialty Animal Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award. He is the son of Stan and Debbie Crader of Jackson. He currently owns 18 elk and continues to raise breeding stock for sale at exotic animal auctions.

Elizabeth Wells, a Jackson High School senior, was recognized as Area XII Star in Agribusiness. She is the daughter of David and Rae Wells, and she is employed in a landscaping business.

Puchbauer, a Jackson High School senior, was recognized as the State Star Farmer and Area XII Star Farmer and won a second-place Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award.

He is the son of Kent and Jean Puchbauer. He owns a Simmental herd and some commercial Angus cattle and is president of the Jackson FFA Chapter.

Megan Dye received third place in the new state FFA Division 1 Prepared Public Speaking Contest. Thirteen people competed in the event, open only to freshmen.

Mark Boardman of Jackson received the Honorary State Degree. It is presented to adult supporters who have given exceptional service to youth, agricultural education and the FFA.

The Missouri FFA Association has nearly 19,700 members in 280 chapters. Its mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.