SIOUX FALLS, S.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2007--From interactive white boards to wireless response devices, students in the classrooms of 10 South Dakota teachers will benefit from $25,000 in Qwest Foundation grants. The awards were announced today by the Qwest Foundation and the 29-90 Distance Learning Consortium (29-90 DLC).

Grant winners:

Gaylene Barker - Grandview Elementary, Rapid City

Crystall Becker & Lorie Decker - Canistota Elementary School, Canistota

Jane Bradfield - O'Gorman High School, Sioux Falls

Mary Christopherson - Miller Area School District, Miller

Jean Clarke - Emery High School, Emery

Katherine Engst - Huron High School, Huron

Cindy Kroon - Montrose High School, Montrose

John McEnelly - Wolsey-Wessington School District, Wolsey

Brady Olson - Brandon Valley Middle School, Brandon

Ryan Stahle - Mitchell High School, Mitchell

The grants provide funding for innovative educational programs or projects, and recognize South Dakota K through grade 12 public school teachers who improve student performance by using technology in the classroom in new and innovative ways. Sharing information about how the technology benefits students is a key goal of the program.

"All of this year's winners are impressive educators who have shown creative ways to use technology to help students learn," said Larry Toll, Qwest state president for South Dakota. "These grants provide a unique opportunity for Qwest to make a difference in the lives of South Dakota students and help teachers do their important work."

"The grants from Qwest will enable 10 South Dakota teachers to implement their own plans to integrate new technology resources in their classrooms," said Brian Dzwonek, South Dakota 29-90 director. "The best part is that their students will be the real beneficiaries - using these new tools to prepare for their future."

About the Qwest Foundation:

The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on K through grade 12 education and economic development.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

Qwest Foundation

Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of customers and the communities we serve. It's more than just caring; it's a commitment to making a difference. The Qwest Foundation awards grants that generate high impact and measurable results through community-based programs in the area of pre-K through 12 education. We encourage you to learn more about the Foundation and request funding for your program. Qwest® is a leading provider of voice, video and data services across America and the world. For more than a century, homes and businesses have relied on our dependable dial tone connection. We value the strength and vitality we help bring to the communities where we live, work and play-through tens of thousands of volunteer hours donated by employees and retirees, our foundation contributions and numerous other avenues. In communications and community, our goal is to lead.

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