Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well.

&045;Aristotle

Debbie Barnes, a biology teacher at Vincent Middle/High School, received a well deserved accolade recently as she was presented with the American Stars Teaching Award. The award is given by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize and honor superior teachers known for their track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies and making a difference in the lives of their students.

The American Stars Teaching Award is given annually to only one teacher in each state with more than 4,000 teachers receiving nominations nationwide.

A veteran educator with 30 years of experience in the classroom, Barnes is a remarkable teacher with a passion for students and teaching; if you don’t believe me, just ask one of her former students.

A graduate of Vincent herself, Barnes also has also served as the school’s track and field coach, leading the team to several championships.

The American Stars Teaching Award is not the first time Barnes’ work as an educator has been recognized, as she was named the Alabama Farmers Federation [ALFA] teacher of the month for October 2005.

We spend a great deal of time and effort in this part of the world discussing which area football team will prevail on a given Friday evening or which college football team will be victorious on Saturday, but rarely do we take time to recognize those true hometown champions charged with taking our children and molding them into productive citizens.

Parents with children enrolled at Vincent Middle/High School can be thankful that their children are receiving world-class instruction courtesy of a very special teacher.

Yes, Debbie Barnes received quite an award, but it is the students in her classroom today and for the past 30 years who have taken home the prize. The prize of a quality education