(NAPSI)—For most teenagers today, the environment is too important to be ignored—yet, according to a recent study conducted by Harris Interactive, nearly 75 percent of 14- to 18-year-olds believe kids their age are not taking enough action to increase their knowledge of and help solve environmental issues we face.

Her classroom encompasses 180 acres:

Improve literacy by sponsoring classroom copies.

It was a paper-throwing incident.

(NAPSI)--Parents, grandparents and others who care about the young people in their lives can give a terrific gift that grows in value year after year: a college savings account.

This year’s Sedalia Showcase was set up as a celebration of education in the city and Pettis County, but Thursday’s event included celebrations of four individuals who have made significant impacts on the local learning landscape.

By Chief Master Sgt. Matt Proietti

By Maj. David P. Goode

By Gen. Donald Hoffman

By Capt. Omar Villarreal

About 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, I sent two of my students out to lower the flags from our flagpole. Our school, St. Paul’s Lutheran School, is located directly across from The Sedalia Democrat. As witnessed by some onlookers, who were standing outside the newspaper offices, the two girls did not respect the American flag. They were being childish and one wrapped it around themselves while the other took a picture. Then they proceeded to wad the flag up and bring it inside where they folded it properly.

I was somewhat shocked a couple of weeks ago when I read that the teen birth rate in Pettis County was so much higher than both the state and national averages. The national average is 42 per 1,000 births and the state’s average is 46 per 1,000 births. Our county comes in with 75 per 1,000 newborns. That’s pretty disturbing. It makes me think that somebody needs to start paying attention.

Smith-Cotton High School

Skyline Elementary special education teacher Kathryn Waters said she wasn’t expecting to be nominated as her school’s Outstanding Educator.

Education is an important factor in the development and maturation of a person. Although some go through high school with little interest in their education and future, I will always have fond memories of my Catholic education. Although I did not attend Sacred Heart High School for my entire academic career, the last year two years have given me opportunities to succeed in areas which otherwise might not have been available to me.

Tiffany Walters, of Jackie’s Salon, recently received a promotion to teen educator. One of her responsibilities will be to teach young women good grooming and creating their own style. She is conducting a pilot program. A new class will form in January. Class size is limited. For more information, call Walters at 826-6511.