Editorial

Chamber recognizes outstanding teachers

Congratulations to this year's winners of the prestigious Crystal Apple, the award given to outstanding teachers by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. The five honorees will receive $500, but that isn't what the award is about.

Nomination of these top educators is recognition of their commitment to teaching and helping students prepare for productive and interesting lives.

The winners this year were from diverse backgrounds.

Julia Jorgensen, Central High School librarian, started her career in North Kansas City and was a kindergarten aide here for many years. Gerald Richards began his career as a St. Louis teacher and today is principal of Central Junior High School. Annette Slattery is physical education teacher at Central High School and has coached tennis for 23 years. Betty Chong is an elementary teacher turned counselor turned assistant superintendent. And Jim Dufek has been a professor in the communication department at Southeast Missouri State University for nearly 19 years.

They, along with all the past Crystal Apple winners, deserve our praise, respect and thanks.

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