For Immediate Release
June 24, 1998

In its eighth year, the APEGGA Teacher Awards program rewards elementary, junior high and senior high school teachers who "Make School Cool" for students. Through inspiration or perspiration, they work hard to encourage young minds to excel in difficult subjects. For their efforts these mentors are acknowledged by APEGGA at a public ceremony and receive $500 each towards curriculum materials or field trips.

This year, the Association received more than 700 letters of support from students, parents, principals and school superintendents, as well as other teachers. There were a total of 82 teachers nominated.

APEGGA and its 30,000 members are committed to advancing the study of science and math at all educational levels and invests approximately $75,000 annually in various awards and scholarship programs. The Association also sponsors Science Olympics events in Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Brooks and Fort McMurray, and the Odyssey of the Mind Competition in Calgary; provides input into the development of science and math curricula; assists teachers in the classroom with science demonstrations and career discussions; and participates in science fairs and other competitions.

Established in 1920, APEGGA serves society by regulating, enhancing and providing leadership in the practice of engineering, geology and geophysics in Alberta.

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Note to Editors/News Directors: Because of the surprise nature of this event, media representatives are asked not to contact the recipient for comment until after the presentation has taken place. A complete list of 1998 APEGGA Teacher Award recipients is attached.

For more information, contact:

Tracey Horne-Pettipas
Public Affairs Officer
APEGGA - Calgary
Tel.: (403) 262-7714
Fax: (403) 269-2787
E-mail: thornepettipas@apegga.org

This year's recipients of the 1998 APEGGA Teacher Awards are:

• Shonna Barth teaches grade 6 science at St. Thomas Aquinas school (Medicine Hat).

• John Cabaj teaches grade 5 science at H. E. Bourgoin School (Bonnyville).

• Caroline Dieken teaches grade 9 math at St. Jerome's School (Vermilion).

• Cathy Dudgeon teaches grade 5 math and science at Holy Spirit Academy (High River).

• Craig Frehlich teaches grade 7 and 8 science at Holy Spirit Academy (High River).

• Bill Heir teaches grade 7 math and science at Crescent Valley School (Hinton).

• Darrin Park teaches grade 9 science at Mary Butterworth School (Edmonton).

• Shawn Russell teaches grade 6 to 8 science at G.H. Dawe Community School (Red Deer).

• Florence Sliney teaches kindergarten to grade 4 science at Mountain Gate Community School (Canmore).

• Marc Soetaert teaches grade 9 math and science at Crystal Park School (Grande Prairie).

• Judy Taerum taught grade 2/3 math and science at Westbrook Elementary School (Edmonton). Mrs. Taerum recently moved to Kansas City.

• Joanne Thaxter teaches grade 6 math at Lakeview Elementary School (Lethbridge).

• Robin Was teaches grade 10 to 12 science at Calmar School (Calmar).

• Sylvia Zalik teaches grade 4 science and math at St. Anne School (Fort McMurray).

Fourteen Alberta science and math teachers have captured the imagination and admiration of their students, and are recipients of The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) 1998 Teacher Awards.