Deborah Morrison, a Mathematics teacher at Westminster Elementary School, was recognized as a Louisiana finalist for the 2004 Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching.  She was honored along with two other finalists from Louisiana at a luncheon sponsored by ExxonMobil and the National Science Foundation.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were established in 1983 by an act of Congress and are administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation.  Each year the program recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers from across the United States and four U.S. jurisdictions for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.  In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the awards is to expand and exemplify the definition of excellent mathematics and science teaching.  Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspirations to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.