WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri stepped off the House floor in the U.S. Capitol Thursday to meet with Dana Krejcarek, a 7th through 12th grade physics and chemistry teacher with the Kohler School District, and a winner of the 2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Krejcarek was among 100 teachers recognized Wednesday at a ceremony on the White House lawn. President Bush met with the teachers, and Krejcarek said, "I'm still in awe over that," adding, "I'm proud to represent both Kohler and the state of Wisconsin in Washington."

Petri told Krejcarek, "I think it's wonderful that our nation has a program that singles out outstanding teachers all across the country, and I'm very happy that Wisconsin and the 6th District, Kohler, the Sheboygan area are represented, and my congratulations to you."

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were established by Congress in 1983 and are administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation. Each year the program recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers from across the United States.

Rep. Tom Petri takes a moment from his duties on the floor of the House of Representatives to meet with Dana Krejcarek, an award-winning science teacher in Kohler, Wisconsin.

This year, award winners received a citation signed by President Bush, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend this week's series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and gifts from sponsors of the program.