Three local educators have been recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

MacDonald Drive Junior High science teacher Jennifer O’Neill-Riggs was recognized for work helping students explore the natural world and fall in love with science. A science fair project supported by O’Neill-Riggs went on to earn awards at both the provincial and national levels and was published in the Canadian Science Fair Journal.

Grade 4 teacher Thomas Ayre of St. Michael’s Elementary in Stephenville Crossing was recognized with a Certificate of Achievement in Teaching for commitment to innovation, communication and helping students to grow academically and socially. Ayre has used stop-motion videography and 3D printing to keep students engaged.

Meanwhile Bernadine Kent, an early childhood educator at Astros Learning Centre in Bay Roberts received a Certificate of Achievement in early Childhood Education for helping to build self-esteem and problem-solving in young children.