They got the prestigious Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award.

In addition to the recognition, each teacher received a $3,500 cash prize. This group has almost 350 years of combined teaching experience.They are unique because the public nominates the teachers, and past award winners are the judges.

Ray Singleton, a teacher at Horace Mann Middle School, is one of those honored. "I've been teaching for 25 years . I've had some accolades along the way, but this is very special." says Singleton.

The 12 award recipients are:

- Diana Benedum, Creed Collins Elementary School, Pennsboro

- Drema G. Bias, Chapmanville Middle School, Champmanville

- Gayla J. Hickle, Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg

- Rick Kinder, Gilmer County High School, Glenville

- Cathy Linger, Tennerton Elementary School, Buckhannon

- Carol Mathiis, Hayes Middle School, St. Albans

- Eric Minigh, Blennerhassett Middle School, Parkersburg

- Patty Florence Sayre, Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg

- Gretchen E. Shaffer, Morgantown High School, Morgantown

- Ray Singleton, Horace Mann Middle School, Charleston

- Janet B. Sister, Moorefield Middle School, Moorefield

- Rhonda Tennant, New Haven Elementary School, New Haven