Five teachers named state finalists for 2008 Presidential Math and

Five South Carolina school teachers have been named state finalists to be considered for the prestigious 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The annual award is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade math or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, the program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The state finalists for science teaching are:

• Alyssa Mann, a third grade teacher at Diamond Hill Elementary in Abbeville County;
• Mary Meggett, a fifth grade teacher at Stiles Point Elementary, Charleston County; and
• Mirandi Squires, a third grade teacher at Johnsonville Elementary, Florence District Five.
  

The state finalists for mathematics teaching are:

• Christi Fricks, a sixth grade teacher at Lakeside Middle School, Anderson District Five; and
• Miriam Hunt, a teacher in grades 3-5 at Orchard Park Elementary in York District Four.

Each year, a national panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators recommends up to 108 teachers to receive Presidential Awards – one math teacher and one science teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US territories and schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Agency. Those selected for the honor receive a $10,000 award, a Presidential citation and a trip to Washington, DC for a series of recognition events, information exchange programs and an awards ceremony.

The program’s goal is to expand and exemplify the definition of excellent science and mathematics teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspirations to their communities and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Grade levels are recognized by the program in alternating years. The 2008 awards are for teachers working in grades K-6, while teachers in grades 7-12 are eligible for awards in 2009.

2008 White House Christmas ornament

The 2008 White House Christmas ornament honoring the presidency of Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893), the twenty-third president of the United States was inspired by the Harrison family’s Victorian Christmas tree, the first recorded tree to decorate the White House. The ornament, the 28th in a series started by the White House Historical Association in 1981 presents the White House as a family home.

The cost of the ornament is $16.95 plus packing and delivery and can be ordered from the White House Historical Association, P.O. Box 96586, Washington, D.C. 20090-6586, or you can call toll free 1-800-555-2451, or visit online at www.whitehousehistory.org. Each of the 27 ornaments (from 1981-2007) is also available, along with educational brochures.

The White House Historical Association was established in 1961as a non-profit organization to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House. All proceeds from its trusts and sales of ornaments, publications and other association products are used to fund acquisitions of historic furnishings and art works for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of the public rooms, and further its educational mission.

Local invited to White House

Dan Vander Meer, CEO of Dutchman Global and Robyn Vander Meer, CFO have both been invited to attend President George W. Bush's remarks in recognition of World Trade Week on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday May 20.

Dan Vander Meer was nominated by Colleen Litkenhaus, Assistant Secretary of Commerce. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is the key export promotion agency of the federal government. The service has a worldwide network of employees and a mission of assisting small and medium-sized American businesses in exporting their goods and services worldwide.

Dutchman Global was established in 2005 to provide quality heavy equipment to the global earthmoving and mining industry. Dutchman Global currently ships 98% of its equipment overseas to several geographic territories. Dutchman Globals' experienced sales staff sells Caterpillar, Euclid, John Deere, Komatsu and other used equipment.

Located at 208 Prosperity Court in Florence, Dutchman Global currently has 6 sales and administrative employees in the Florence location. Other employees are located in Canada, South Dakota, Dubai and Guyana.

In April 2008, Dutchman Global was nominated as one of South Carolina's fastest growing companies. Dan Vander Meer was also appointed to South Carolina's District Export Council and Dutchman Global received an Export Achievement Award in 2007.