Saint Louis Public Schools

 ST. LOUIS, August 17, 2012 – Brian O’Connor of Nottingham Community Access and Job Training (CAJT) High School in St. Louis was named the Peabody Energy Leaders in Education “Educator of the Year.” Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced O’Connor’s accolade on Thursday night at a celebration that included more than 300 academic, business and civic community members. 

The Peabody Energy Leaders in Education program rewards dedicated education professionals who inspire and motivate youth to succeed. Award recipients are selected anonymously throughout the school year by a committee of top educators and business leaders. O’Connor was selected from 31 outstanding honorees to be named the Educator of the Year honoree and awarded $5,000.

O’Connor was chosen as Educator of the Year for his dedication to helping students with developmental disabilities achieve their very best. As principal of Nottingham CAJT High School, a public school for students with developmental disabilities, O’Connor makes a direct impact on students’ lives, and ensures their future success with learning focused on independent living skills and job training. O’Connor has developed character education programs, activity clubs and rewards daily activities, which have assisted in improving engagement and attendance at his school. He is dedicated to students’ success after graduation. For the past three years, his school has placed 90 percent of its graduates in a job, adult day care center or job development program.

“Brian O’Connor is a shining example of excellence in education,” said Gregory H. Boyce, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Peabody Energy. “Brian is a true advocate for students with disabilities and helps his students achieve their dreams. Peabody created the Leaders in Education program to give outstanding educators like Brian the recognition they deserve.”

The Leaders program was developed in Missouri in 2009, and reflects Peabody’s commitment to make a positive impact in the communities where the company’s employees live and work by honoring those who inspire students.

“I am humbled by the recognition from Peabody Energy Leaders in Education,” said Brian O’Connor, Principal at Nottingham CAJT High School. “To have the privilege to stand before such a distinguished and well-respected group of educators is a great honor.” 

The 2012-2013 award program is accepting nominations and is now open to education professionals of public, private and independent schools in designated communities where Peabody Energy employees live and work. Honorees are selected from a diverse group of educators. They can range from veteran teachers to individuals in support staff roles such as administrators, coaches or counselors.

Nominations may be made at www.PeabodyEnergyLeadersInEducation.org.

More information can be found on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PeabodyEnergyLeaders

The latest news on the program can also be found on Twitter: @Peabody_Leaders.

About Peabody Energy

Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) is the world's largest private-sector coal company and a global leader in clean coal solutions. With 2010 sales of 246 million tons and nearly $7 billion in revenues, Peabody fuels 10 percent of U.S. power and 2 percent of worldwide electricity. Peabody Energy’s mission as a community partner is to improve lives through strategic social investments that empower communities, educate the next generation, reclaim, conserve and beautify the environment, and engage our employees to give back.

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Peabody.jpg (From Left to Right)

·         George Paz, Express Scripts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

·         Francis G. Slay, Mayor of the City of St. Louis

·         Maureen Moore, Peabody Energy Leaders in Education Program Director

·         Gregory H. Boyce, Peabody Energy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

·         Brian O’Connor, Principal of Nottingham Community Access & Job Training High School

·         Jay Nixon, Governor of Missouri