Eldorado teacher David Jones awarded by Peabody Energy
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Peabody Energy named Eldorado High School teacher David Jones as Teacher of the Year, surprising him with a $1,000 check between school lunches Oct. 31.
Peabody met with area educators in the spring to tell them about the program and Jones picked up an application.
"I put it in desk drawer and went on summer vacation. I came back in the fall and (Superintendent Gary) Siebert asked me if I'd filled it out," Jones said.
In two weeks Peabody asked Jones to get a letter of recommendation from an administrator and Siebert provided one.
Oct. 31 came and so did Peabody staff.
"It was kind of a surprise thing for me between lunches. They presented an award, a basket and a check," Jones said.
Jones started an animal science program at the school, brought the woodworking shop up to good shape and currently has students building a trophy case and a few years ago Jones started the Sportsman's Club.
According to Peabody Jones is using some of the money to purchase an air compressor, two grinders and several different saws. Jones said he may give some of the money to the animal science program to help with the current high cost of grain and some to the Sportsman's Club.
Peabody also gave money to Gallatin County for the high school's industrial arts program.
The aim of Peabody Energy -- operator of the nearby Cottage Grove Mine -- is to deliver academic opportunities for the next generation and promote a future workforce, according to a release from the mine.
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DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.</li>
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