'This is My Town' Says Rockwood Summit Chemistry Teacher Upon Receiving Leadership Award

Darrin Peters, of Fenton, spends his days among high school students wielding flasks and beakers and other scientific paraphernalia as a chemistry teacher at Rockwood Summit High School.

On Tuesday, he was surprised by Maureen Moore, of Peabody Energy, who presented him with a large check as the newest Peabody Energy Leaders in Education award winner.

The Leaders in Education program was designed by Peabody Energy to honor education professionals – from teachers and coaches to librarians and counselors – to recognize the heroes in education who help children achieve their true potential.

Moore said Peters' designation was achieved by a unanimous vote of the committee of educators and business leaders who screen candidates for the designation.

Peters said he was taken aback by the surprise presentation, unaware that it was coming and amazed at the $1,000 represented by the oversized check.

"I had no clue," he said.

Peters is the 2011 Teacher of the Year at Rockwood Summit, a designation voted on by the staff at the high school. He has been teaching chemistry at Summit for 16 years, following stints in the Warrenton (MO) schools (3 years) and the Winfield (MO) School District (1 year).

Although he has only been a chemistry teacher at Rockwood Summit, Peters also has taught biology and physical science during his career. One of the lines of study Peters pursues in his classes is the chemistry of bio-diesel fuels.

Peters was effusive in his comments about his career as a teacher in the town where he lives.

"I love the kids here," he said. "I love the community. My parents live here. This is where I grew up. This is my town."

Rockwood Summit Assistant Principal Erik Graham was on hand for the award and check presentation. He said Peters exemplifies all that is good about being a teacher.

"He is highly respected among the kids," Graham said. "His commitment to kids is extraordinary. He's the kind of teacher a parent would be proud for their kid to have."

Peters was nominated for the Peabody Energy Leaders in Education designation by retired teacher Jim Sisson, who is a frequent substitute at Rockwood Summit, sometimes filling in for Peters when a substitute is needed.