Matt Lora of Bluffton and Shawnee High School math teacher, was named Shawnee Optimist Club’s Educator of the Year.

Lora of 167 Hillcrest Dr., Bluffton, says that his ability to be a good educator comes from the environment he works in.

"It's been an awesome time at Shawnee High School; I've been surrounded by really good people in the math department, we're all very close and we're not afraid to share our materials with each other - it's just been a great time," Lora said.

The club also awarded scholarships to four area seniors at the award event held earlier this month at Old Barn Out Back, Lima.

Lora is a Bluffton University graduate.