Educator awards

Five Jackson educators were recently recognized in the 2011 Jackson Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year awards ceremony.

Nominated by their colleagues and selected by the chamber education committee, this year's class of award winners have nearly 100 years of combined teaching experience.

Those recognized include:

* Andy Helle, a science teacher at Jackson High School, was named the high school educator of the year.

* Becky Loenneke, a math teacher, was the recipient of the junior high/middle school educator of the year award.

* Kay Vangilder, a first-grade teacher at Orchard Elementary, was recognized as the elementary school educator of the year.

* Scott Vangilder, a Jackson band teacher, received the specialty educator of the year honor.

* Tina Sides, a language arts teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson, was the recipient of the private school educator of the year award.

Many teachers go without much recognition or fanfare, often investing their own resources and off hours for their students. Yet each day they provide a vital service by teaching our next generation of leaders.

These Jackson educators, as recognized by their peers and the chamber, exemplify what is good in education. Congratulations to all the award recipients, and thank you to all the dedicated teachers in Southeast Missouri.