WISE COUNTY TEACHER TO BE HONORED

   RICHMOND, Va. (December 31, 2003) - Linda Hunsaker, art teacher at Powell Valley High School, Appalachia, Coeburn, J. J. Kelly and Pound High Schools, is being recognized with the 2003/2004 First Freedom Teaching Excellence Award.
   Hunsaker will receive the inaugural award. The First Freedom Teaching Excellence Award will become an ongoing part of the First Freedom Student Competition. The annual student competition, hosted by the Richmond-based Council for America's First Freedom, invites Virginia's ninth through 12th grade students to address themes of religious liberty through essay, oratory and poster entries. The First Freedom Teaching Excellence Award will be given in acknowledgement of teachers who excel in their effort to encourage student study and contemplation regarding the history and current issues of religious freedom.
   "The teacher who inspires his or her students to study, then to reflect upon our freedoms, prepares a generation which will respect and uphold the freedoms that make our nation so unique," commented Tommy P. Baer, Council President. "The student artwork produced over the years by Mrs. Hunsaker's students speaks volumes about the increased acknowledgement of this important liberty," Baer added. "When speaking with her students and peers, one soon discovers that she puts her heart and soul into helping them become better people, not just better artists."
   The Honorable Belle S. Wheelan, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia, will extend the honor at a January 9, 2004, awards event hosted in Colonial Williamsburg, beginning at Bruton Parish at 7:00 p.m.
   The Honorable John Hager, Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, will offer remarks at the January 9th gathering; student winners will be featured and awards presented; and Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry will revisit their early debate for the establishment of religious liberty.
   Led by a fife and drum corps following the Bruton program, attendees will stroll the historic district to the East Lounge of the Williamsburg Inn for a dessert reception. The program and reception are free and open to the public.
   For more information on the First Freedom Teaching Excellence Award and the First Freedom Student Competition, contact Sandra M. Poulsen at (804) 643-1786 or spoulsen@firstfreedom.org.

About the Council: The Council for America's First Freedom (CAFF) is a non-denominational, non-political, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Richmond, Va. Established in 1984, CAFF's mission is to champion religious freedom worldwide and to strengthen appreciation for Virginia's pivotal role in America's protection of this fundamental human right. Currently, CAFF is developing the First Freedom Center, a world-class facility that will offer a dynamic visitor experience with state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits exploring the development of religious freedom in America, and today's related national and international issues. In addition, CAFF sponsors the following annual initiatives: Presidential Proclamation of National Religious Freedom Day (January); First Freedom Awards; and First Freedom Student Competition.