(Washington, D.C.) Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers recognized Linda Hutchinson, a mathematics teacher from Shadle Park High School. Hutchinson visited Washington, D.C. to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science.

Hutchinson is just one of 108 teachers to receive this honor each year. It is the highest recognition in the United States that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive. McMorris Rodgers presented her a plaque recognizing her, and will enter remarks praising Mrs. Hutchinson into the Congressional Record.

“I am shocked that a third of our students in this country drop out of high school at a time when I hear from Eastern Washington businesses about the shortage of qualified employees,” McMorris Rodgers says. “I applaud Mrs. Hutchinson for her commitment and dedication to teaching our next generation of scientists, doctors and engineers. To meet the demands of an increasingly advanced, global market we must better train and equip our nation’s workforce and Mrs. Hutchinson is doing just that.”