OPSB.net - OPHS Teacher Honored for Academic Excellence

RadioShack Corporation has presented a 2004 RadioShack National Teacher Award to Carolyn Sykes, a science teacher at Ouachita Parish High School. Sykes is among 110 educators receiving RadioShack National Teacher Awards this year for demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence in mathematics, science or technology. She receives a $3,000 cash award.

“I am very humbled by this award because I realize there are many deserving teachers,” said Sykes. “I always look for ways to exalt the teaching profession and bring positive recognition to my career choice.” Sykes, who has taught for 17 years, teaches chemistry I, II, and III. “It is very rewarding to be able to make a positive difference on a daily basis in the lives of my students and to share a part in preparing them for their future and place in society,” said Sykes.

Sykes earned a bachelor of science degree in geography in 1974 from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. She received a master’s degree in education at University of Louisiana at Monroe. She also took teacher education courses at ULM. She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, American Chemical Society, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, American Federation of Teachers, and Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

Sykes is one of three high school science teachers in Louisiana honored with a 2004 RadioShack National Teacher Award and $3,000 cash. The other teachers are Lisa Johnson of Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, and Tracy Jackson of Neville High School in Monroe. “The cash awards go directly to the teachers,” said Laura Moore, senior vice president and chief communications officer of RadioShack Corporation. “This truly is a personal reward for a job well-done.”

RadioShack has awarded cash and prizes to 1,550 individuals for their commitment, excellence and innovation in the classroom since the RadioShack National Teacher Awards program began in 1988.

“The RadioShack National Teacher Awards program is RadioShack’s multi-year corporate citizenship effort to improve math, science and technology education,” said Leonard Roberts, chairman and chief executive officer or RadioShack Corporation. “By investing in teachers, RadioShack is strengthening communities and ensuring that more American youth prosper. We are committed to rewarding and retaining quality teachers, which is essential to the continuing growth and prosperity of our nation.”

The National Teacher Awards program is funded by RadioShack Corporation. The program is open to all accredited public and private high schools. Award recipients are selected from a nationwide competitive call for applications. The selection process includes judging applicants on their commitment to education and their implementation of innovative classroom teaching methods. A panel of distinguished educators selects the honorees.

For more information about the RadioShack National Teacher Awards, visit the program’s web site.