Chamber honors Educators of the Year

Last week, five local teachers were recognized as Educators of the Year by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to this year's honorees: Pat Kuper of Cape Girardeau Central High School, Charles Lindberg of Blanchard Elementary School, Carol Strattman of St. Mary Cathedral School, Jeff Worley of Notre Dame Regional High School and Rhonda Weller-Stilson, director of the Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts at Southeast Missouri State University.

These five were each nominated and then vetted by a five-member committee made up of Chamber volunteers, according to a recent Southeast Missourian report.

Professional development efforts, educational attainment, teaching effectiveness and community involvement were all criteria in the selection process.

They were honored at a reception last Tuesday and given a Crystal Apple award, $500 check, resolutions of honor from the Missouri Legislature and a commemorative video.

"The purpose behind the award is to honor educators, because we know the students are our future workforce," Shad Burner, the Chamber's vice president of business development, said. "We know what (teachers) do every day is critical."

This was the 23rd year that the chamber has honored top local educators.

We hope all teachers will continue to do their best to shape young minds, and that they're blessed with students who appreciate their efforts.