St. Vincent instructor wins Wal-Mart award for teacher of the year

Dianna Lynne Karnes almost didn't make it to a surprise assembly in her honor Tuesday. On her way to the gym, one of her first-grade students at St. Vincent de Paul School tripped and busted his lip.

She eventually made it to the assembly, where a bewildered Karnes was declared the Missouri teacher of the year. She thought she was coming to the assembly for a state ceremony.

"You've found me speechless," Karnes said as she patted her face and breathed deeply.

Sponsors Wal-Mart and Sam's Club presented the school with $10,000, which Karnes said will most likely be used on technology.

Karnes is described by colleagues as selfless, capable of bringing textbooks to life and as someone who thinks outside the box. For her students' first Communion, she had the class write letters to the president and the pope, and they heard back from both.

"Like the Magic School Bus motto, she teaches the children to take chances, make mistakes and get messy," said school board president Kelley Johnson.

Wal-Mart named Karnes as the local teacher of the year in May. She wrote four essays and submitted a resume and two letters of recommendation to be considered. Karnes was under the impression the winners of the statewide contest would be announced in September and therefore assumed she had not won, contributing to her surprise.

Karnes' college-age daughter drove in from St. Louis, and the rest of Karnes' family and friends presented her with roses and gifts.

Mayor Jay Knudtson and Southeast Missouri State University president Ken Dobbins spoke at the assembly. Karnes graduated from Southeast in 2005 and has been teaching at St. Vincent's since 2002. Knudtson declared Oct. 16 as Dianna Lynne Karnes Day.

"I love what I do. I think that's the secret. I get to be with my friends every day, even if they are in first grade," Karnes said afterward. "I get paid to sing and dance and draw pictures on the board. I love the kiddos; they are my heart."

lbavolek@semissourian.com

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