TEACHER IN CAPE, JACKSON DISTRICTS WIN NATION'S HIGHEST HONORS FOR MATH, SCIENCE CLASSES

Two teachers from Cape Girardeau County earned the highest honors bestowed on math and science teachers. Judy Gau from Franklin Elementary School and Martha Short from North Elementary School in Jackson were among 200 teachers selected for the 199 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science.

It's an impressive honor. Recipients are selected by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House.

Both teachers are veterans of the profession. Gau, a fourth-grade teacher, has been in the profession 25 years. Short, a fifth-grade teacher, is a 22-year veteran. The two competed against 628 teachers.

Each winner will receive a $7,500 educational grant to be used at their school, a citation from President Clinton and a trip to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony.

These teachers demonstrate that quality can come at any level in any community.

Caring, qualified teachers can make all the difference both at home and nationally.