Cheryl Seals Bruton is a National Board Certified science teacher at Franklinton High School in Franklinton. An expert in water quality studies, Bruton frequently takes her students outdoors to collect samples and conduct experiments, making science education a hands-on experience. Her excitement and enthusiasm about the subject matter have helped boost student interest in environmental science, while her effective instructional strategies have helped raise achievement levels. Many of her students have excelled in science fairs at the school, parish and regional levels. Four of her students participated in the Regional Science Fair held at Southeastern Louisiana University—the first time in many years that Franklinton students had participated at that level. Bruton has won grants to fund numerous science projects, including a field trip for students to the Florida Keys. As Franklinton's science chairperson, Bruton has made frequent presentations at the local, state and national levels. Her awards include the 2000 Rising Star Science Educator by the Louisiana Science Teacher Association and the 2004 ING Unsung Hero Award. She was also selected as a finalist for 2004 Louisiana Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education.
