By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS-A Cincinnati Public Schools principal is one of two Ohio educators being honored today as a recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards.

Laura Lumpkin Mitchell, principal of Westwood Elementary School, and James Eslinger, a fourth-grade teacher in Columbus, were presented with the unrestricted $25,000 Milken Award checks last month in surprise ceremonies at their schools.

Ms. Mitchell has been principal at Westwood since August, 1999. She has been credited with helping the school receive a high achievement rating from the Ohio Department of Education.

This year, 100 educators in 46 states received the award, which includes a trip to Los Angeles to participate in the annual Milken National Education Conference in April 2003.

In addition to Ms. Mitchell, 18 other Southwest Ohio teachers are among 100 educators being recognized today in Columbus for mini-grant proposals and other awards at the Ohio Department of Education's annual fall teacher recognition event, "Celebrate Teaching: A Star-Spangled Profession.'' The winners:

Butler County

Edgewood City Schools: Angela Cumberland, Bloomfield Elementary School, $1,000; Robin L. Phares, Edgewood Middle School, $2,000.

Hamilton City Schools: Melissa Doerr, Harrison Elementary School, $3,000; Mary Ann Harkrader, Pierce Elementary School, $600.

Lakota Local School District: Sarah Goiten, Lakota Early Childhood Center, $1,500.

Middletown City Schools: Tracey Neeley, Mayfield Accelerated Elementary School, $2,500.

New Miami Local Schools: Shirley Lee, New Miami High School, $2,000.

Ross Local Schools: Julie Marcum, Ross Middle School, $1,000.

Talawanda City Schools: William Lalk, Talawanda Middle school, $500.

Clermont County

Milford Exempted Village School District: Amy Jo Bain, Miami Elementary School, finalist, Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Hamilton County

Cincinnati Archdiocese: Nicki Brainard, McAuley High School, $3,200.

Cincinnati Public Schools: Rita M. Seifert, Hughes Center High school, finalist, Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; Sharon Kerns, Kilgour Elementary School, $2,000; Deann Helm, Winton Hills Academy, $2,000.

Madeira City School District: Jami Couzins, Sellman Middle School, $2,000.

Mount Healthy City Schools: Joanie Heidorn, Mount Healthy High School, $2,869.

Norwood City Schools: Donna Dirksing, Sharpsburg Elementary School, $1,500.

Warren County

Lebanon City Schools: B. Clemens-Walatka, Lebanon High School, $1,500.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com