Charleston, W.Va. – May 11, 2001 - In a ceremony today at the state Capitol, 10 teachers from around the state received an Arch Coal, Inc. Teacher Achievement Award. It was the fourth year Arch Coal has presented the teacher recognition awards.

Arch Coal President and Chief Executive Officer Steven F. Leer was joined in honoring the teachers by Governor Bob Wise, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Stewart and West Virginia Education Association President Tom Lange. Each teacher received a $2,500 cash award, in addition to two awards that showcase his or her accomplishment.

The 10 recipients are:

• Dixie M. Billheimer, Mathematics, Cabell Midland High School, Ona
• Bridget K. Call, English/Theater/Speech, Matewan/Magnolia High School
• Tammy Martin Dill, Scott Teays Elementary, Scott Depot
• Diane H. McMichael, Jefferson Elementary Center, Parkersburg
• Patricia L. Moffett, St. Marys Elementary School, St. Marys
• Dixie L. Redmond, Science, East Fairmont Junior High
• Drexel Sammons, Crescent Elementary, Beckley
• Fay Asfour Stump, English/Creative Writing, Weir High School, Weirton
• Claudia Q. Tull, Eastbrook Elementary, Winfield, and
• Brenda M. Young, Kindergarten, Lakeside Elementary, Hurricane.

“Teachers influence the future,” Leer said. “Every day we entrust our children to people who will encourage them, enlighten them, and make them lifelong lovers of learning. There is no more important job in America than that of a teacher.”

(Quote from Governor)

“The West Virginia Department of Education is proud to join with Arch Coal in recognizing these outstanding educators. Exemplary teachers, like those we honor today, continue to shape the future of West Virginia by inspiring and motivating our young people," added Dr. David Stewart, state superintendent of schools.

“The WVEA is honored to partner with Arch Coal to present the Teacher Achievement Awards,” stated WVEA President Tom Lange. “The individuals chosen for the Teacher Achievement Awards exemplify the high quality teachers found in our public schools and we are proud of their accomplishments. We are excited that Arch Coal has again chosen to honor our outstanding West Virginia teachers and thank the company for its continued commitment to education in our state.”

“The judging was extremely difficult,” Leer said. “Even after years of presenting this award, there is no shortage of teaching excellence to recognize in West Virginia. In fact, these top 10 teachers were separated from many of their colleagues who completed applications by little more than fractions of a point.”

Nomination forms were sent to each public and private school, were available at participating sponsor Speedway, and also were available on the Internet. More than 500 separate nominations were received from throughout the state.

Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer. Approximately 2,000 people are employed at the company’s West Virginia operations, which produce over 30 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal annually. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and makes its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.