Ruth Ann Orr recognized by Cape School Board

The Cape Girardeau Public Schools board of education recognized Ruth Ann Orr, principal of Alma Schrader Elementary School, during its February board meeting for receiving the Missouri Art Education Association's "Heart of Art Appreciation Award." She will travel to the Embassy Suites Hotel Convention Center in St. Charles, MO, on March 24 to receive the award.

Orr has served Cape Public Schools her entire career in education, beginning in 1982 as a teaching assistant. Her first teaching position was as a sixth-grade teacher at Alma Schrader, then as a counselor at Washington School. She moved to the district central administrative office, working in special services, before assuming her current position.

Orr was selected for the award based upon her support of the arts in ways that impact art education in a significant way. "She is the kind of administrator that considers the importance of art as a core subject and understands the contribution the arts have to the growth of students," according to a letter of nomination signed by several art instructors. "She often visits the art room to see what students are working on and to talk to the students about their art. Not only is she supportive of the arts in the schools, but also in the community, by coming to art events outside the school setting," the letter stated. Orr was also a recipient of the Educator of the Year award presented by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce in 2007.