Kaci Lueking, a first grade teacher at Wabash Elementary, has been named the recipient of the 2020 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Gold Star Grant. The $7,500 grant is for her stEMPOWER initiative, an after-school club that will encourage girls in grades 4-6 to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) subjects while developing leadership skills and confidence as critical thinkers and problem solvers. Lueking is a 2019 recipient of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, which qualified her to apply for a competitive Gold Star Grant. Emerson started the Excellence in Teaching Gold Star Grant Program in 2006 to expand its support of the St. Louis educational community.

“Mrs. Lueking is a dedicated and motivated educator who spends a tremendous amount of time and effort preparing and planning rigorous, relevant, and fun Iessons for her students,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain. “Mrs. Lueking is widely known across the District for being positive and focused on growth for all students and her influence through the STEAM club for girls will undoubtedly be impactful and far reaching.” Lueking has taught in the Wentzville School District since 2015 and was named District Teacher of the Year for 2018-2019.

For more information on the Gold Star Grant awards or the Excellence in Teaching Awards, visit the Emerson corporate website.