The award, which is given annually to the teacher who best prepares the work of her students for the The Herald's Design-An-Ad magazine, includes cash and a plaque.

"It's my honor to give this award to Marla," said Mary Beth LoScalzo, The Herald's director of educational services, who coordinates the annual magazine with area teachers and students.

"Her organization and attention to details helped so much when you consider the huge number of ads that are submitted for publication."

The magazine was published April 2.

Marla is in her 20th year of teaching. She teaches in fourth grade for all academic subjects except science. In addition, she teaches fifth-grade social studies.

She will graduate from Westminster College in May with a master's in education.