CATALyST

CATALyST graduate named an American Star of Teaching (2005).

Lamar Cranston, science teacher at Pinecrest Middle School in west Ouachita Parish, has been named in 2005 as an American Star of Teaching by the United States Department of Education. A graduate of CATALyST Programs Project LIFE and C3 Years 1 and 2, Lamar was the Louisiana recipient for this distinguished national award, joining representatives from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The nationally acclaimed award program honors teachers across all grade levels and disciplines for their innovative and outstanding performance in the classroom. And while nominated locally, Lamar was selected as an American Star by a committee of former teachers at the U.S.D.O.E.; he was chosen from among 2,000 nominations which were based on success in improving academic performance and making a difference in students' lives. Lamar was recognized and honored in a school-wide assembly that was attended by local dignitaries as well as a D.O.E. staff member from Washington D.C.

CATALyST congratulates Lamar on this outstanding commendation; its staff joins his school and district in noting the exceptional work he continues to do as a true advocate for students and their education through reform-based instruction and cutting edge methodologies.