FROM STAFF REPORTS

GREYSTONE — A Greystone Elementary School teacher is one of five finalists from Alabama for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Danielle Peterson, a fourth grade science teacher, is one of the science finalists for the awards, according to a press release from the state Department of Education.

Other finalists include Jessica Ellzey from Meadowlake Elementary in Mobile County, Rita Schell of Hall Kent Elementary in Homewood, Pamela Smith of Edgewood Elementary in Homewood and Kim Bowen of Rainbow Elementary in Madison. Peterson and Bowen are science finalists, while the other three are math finalists.

State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice said the five finalists are helping Alabama move ahead of the pack when it comes to math and science education.

“The five elementary school teachers honored by the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching bring great prestige to the teaching profession,” Bice said.

The Presidential Awards program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.