By Carol Anders Correspondent
LAKEVILLE — LaVille Jr.-Sr. High School science teacher Lynne Barden has received a 2009 Butler College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Teacher Excellence Award.
The award honors teachers who have had a significant impact on the lives of students.
Incoming Butler students nominate the teacher they felt made the biggest difference in their lives.

The following nomination letter written by Jessica Shafer (2009 LaVille valedictorian and recipient of an Eli Lilly scholarship for St. Joseph County) says it all: “Mrs. Barden takes it upon herself to ensure that her students have individually advantageous study habits, something that many teachers do not do. She makes her classes as interesting as possible and personally plans educational yet entertaining field trips that not only reinforce the classroom work, but make it applicable to the common place, which is extremely beneficial to each of us.”
It continued, stating that Barden creates a vivid and memorable learning environment, enabling her students to remember details from lessons for more than just a test day, adding, “She also involves herself in biology-related activities outside of school and shares her experiences with her students. She is the epitome of ‘green’ and urges each of us to live as eco-friendly as possible. She is proof that each of us can someday find a job we too will love.”
Although Barden was pleased with the nomination, she was quick to point out that LaVille has many dedicated teachers and family support.
Barden said, “Jessica represents the many wonderful families whose children attend LaVille and who find success through their dedication and support from family, teachers, and other staff members.”
Barden received a congratulatory letter from Butler and a decal for her to display on her car window.