AREA TEACHERS GET HONORS THEY RICHLY DESERVE

As students prepare to leave school for summer vacations, the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce are preparing to honor nine teachers who made those students' school year worthwhile.

It's an exciting time for educators in both districts. There are back-to-back chamber events to honor them.

Meanwhile, a committee is preparing to choose 10 Cape Girardeau public school teachers for $10,000 cash awards courtesy of Dr. Jerry Kinder of Cape Girardeau and Richard Kinder of Houston. Both adored and admired their late mother, Edna C. Kinder, who was a special-education teacher at May Greene Elementary School.

And just weeks ago, other educators received recognition from the Missouri State Teachers Association.

What more appropriate professionals to honor than teachers? After all, they produce the professionals of tomorrow. The right teacher can make all the difference in a child's school career.

Cape Girardeau honorees are Mary Lou Shelton, a math teacher at Central High School; Candy Hahs, a Latin teacher at Saxony Lutheran High School; Terry Kitchen, athletic director at Central High School; Brother David Migliorino, principal and theology teacher at Notre Dame Regional High School; and Dr. Ernest Kern, professor of geosciences and science education at Southeast Missouri State University.

They will receive the Crystal Apple Award, $500 and a commemorative video.

Jackson honorees are Linda Lou Suedekum, kindergarten teacher at the Primary Annex; Diana Hughes, a special-education teacher at Jackson Middle School; Mary Pensel, a learning disabilities teacher at Jackson High School; and Diane Gregg, librarian at West Lane Elementary.

A member of the selection committee for the Jackson chamber said the committee had to pick from 150 names submitted. Isn't it wonderful that there are at least that many respected teachers in one district?

Why not join the chambers in honoring these special individuals who have so much impact on the future of our children and thus the community? For information on the Jackson event April 30, call 243-8131. And for the Cape Girardeau event on May 3, call 335-3312.