A teacher's prize

A visit to Judy Barks-Westrich's classroom at Central High School proves why she was selected as a high school art teacher for the 2004 year. There are objects from floor to ceiling that invite the eyes inside where students are engaged in creative expression.

After 32 years as a teacher, Barks-Westrich was honored by the Missouri Art Education Association as the high school art teacher of the year.

This is a well-deserved honor. Barks-Westrich has helped high school students create, view and critique art. She knows that much can be gained from the addition of art in our lives.

Barks-Westrich demands much from her students, so much that they sometimes complain that art is hard. But in those lessons on painting, drawing and printing she is teaching awareness and observation.

Barks-Westrich believes that all her students have ideas that need to be drawn out, and her students are enriched by those conversations. Students know that she expects the best from them.

And while Barks-Westrich has been recognized as one of the state's best, she says her proudest moments come when her students' work is recognized.

Cape Girardeau's art community is enriched by the work and encouragement Barks-Westrich offers to her students.