WASHINGTON, D.C. - A chemistry teacher at Appleton East High School is receiving recognition from President Barack Obama.

Kara Pezzi will receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching later this month in Washington, D.C.

"This is an incredible, it's an incredible experience," said Kara Pezzi.

Pezzi has been teaching for twenty years, at Appleton West and Wautoma before East, but has never received this kind of attention.

"I've gotten Wisconsin awards but nothing like this," Pezzi explained.

Recently, Pezzi became one of 97 teachers nation wide to receive the award.

Organizers say the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country.

In a statement, President Obama says," These teachers are the best of the best, and they stand as excellent examples of the kind of leadership we need in order to train the next generation of innovators and help this country get ahead."

"I can't think of a more deserving teacher we have on our staff," said Appleton Superintendent Lee Allinger. "She's a person who lives and breathes science education and what a tremendous role model not only for our district but for young people that might be considering a field in education."

Pezzi began the application process back in 2010.

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Teacher named national award winner