Dr. Allison Batten, principal at Brookland– Cayce High School, has been named a 2005 Coca–Cola Educator of Distinction by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Batten is one of 250 educators across the country chosen to receive the honor of Educator of Distinction, an award that recognizes outstanding teachers dedicated to providing education with an enhanced purpose.

“The Coca–Cola Educator of Distinction Award represents the selfless, hard–working, and sincere dedication of the educators who win it. These teachers are committed to shaping the future of America by encouraging its future leaders,” said J. Mark Davis, president of the Coca–Cola Scholars Foundation. “Coca–Cola is committed to education, and we are proud to support the Educators of Distinction program. It is our way of saying thank you and congratulations to these teachers.”

Batten receives a commemorative crystal Coca–Cola gift and a plaque inscribed with a personal dedication written by Marta Kohn, a 2005 Coca–Cola Scholar and a senior from Brookland-Cayce High School, who nominated Batten. Each year, the Coca–Cola Scholars Foundation chooses 250 outstanding high school seniors to receive college scholarships. Once named a Scholar, the students then nominate the teacher, coach, principal, or counselor that inspired and encouraged them most as their Educator of Distinction.