GULFPORT, Miss. – Six outstanding teachers are being honored by the Mississippi Power Foundation with the company’s prestigious Alan R. Barton Excellence in Teaching Award. The highly-coveted award has been presented to a select group of educators in the company’s 23-county service territory since 1990.

The award was named for the late Alan R. Barton, president of Mississippi Power from 1980 to 1989. It celebrates Barton’s dedication and contributions to education and is designed to recognize and honor excellence in the classroom. Each winner receives cash awards for their classroom and career development.

“South Mississippi has some of the most dedicated and hardworking teachers in the nation, and I’m honored to recognize these amazing educators who epitomize Mr. Barton’s idea of educational excellence,” said Mississippi Power President and CEO Ed Day. “Teachers shoulder a very important responsibility by helping our children maximize their potential every day. Because of them, students strive for success making our communities better places to live and learn.”

This year’s recipients, chosen from 65 nominees, are:

• Suzanne Allmon of Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg who is currently the President of the Mississippi Theatre Association and is certified in Speech Communication, Gifted Education and Theatre
• Toni Buchanan of Clarkdale High School in Meridian who teaches Agriculture and Natural Resources and is a 2012 DuPont AgriScience Ambassador
• Mary Moak of Petal Upper Elementary School who was named the 2010 Family Favorite Music Teacher in Mississippi by Parents and Kids Magazine, uses music theory to connect with her students
• David Perdue of George County High School in Lucedale who is certified in English and Speech Communication and was named a STAR Teacher by the Mississippi Economic Council in 2002, 2003 and 2006
• Gail Shemwell of Vancleave High School who teaches independent work skills in a simulated work environment in her Employability class
• Deborah Worrel of St. Patrick High School in Biloxi who teaches Chemistry and Physics and has twice been named Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce
Since 1984, when Barton founded the Mississippi Power Education Foundation, newly merged with the Mississippi Power Foundation, the company has supported excellence in education throughout its service area by awarding more than $8.6 million in grants and awards to teachers, schools, school systems and educational projects.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Recognized throughout the utility industry for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts, Mississippi Power is the 2013 winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Assistance Award. Visit our website at www.mississippipower.com. Follow us on Twitter, or like us on Facebook.

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