Peabody Energy Expands its Leaders in Education Program: Call for Nominations Now Open

PRNewswire - Aug. 17, 2011

Award honors inspiring educators in four states, offering grants and recognition to dozens of teachers, administrators and other school personnel

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 17, 2011 – Peabody Energy will introduce its Leaders in Education program to the communities around several of the company’s U.S. operations, including Illinois, Indiana and Wyoming. The Leaders program was developed in Missouri in 2009, in partnership with Logos School, and reflects Peabody’s commitment to make a positive impact in the communities where the company’s employees live and work by honoring those who inspire students to succeed.

The 2010-2011 Leaders in Education will be honored on Aug. 30 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, where the Educator of the Year will be named.

The 2011-2012 program began accepting nominations August 1 from members of the community and will recognize leaders who are strengthening education for the next generation.

“Education lasts a lifetime and is an essential means to build strong, safe and healthy communities,” says Vic Svec, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications at Peabody Energy. “We believe sustainable energy solutions power economic prosperity and improve quality of life. Similarly, education holds profound potential for an improved future for the next generation.”

The award program is open to educational professionals of public and private schools in designated communities where Peabody Energy employees live and work. Winners are selected from a diverse group of educators. They can range from veteran teachers to individuals in support staff roles such as administrators, coaches or counselors. Nominations may be made at www.PeabodyEnergyLeadersInEducation.org. A committee of academic, business and civic leaders will select winners throughout the school year. Each will receive a $1,000 grant and be considered for a final Educator of the Year honor, and a $5,000 award.

About Peabody Energy
Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) is the world's largest private-sector coal company and a global leader in clean coal solutions. With 2010 sales of 246 million tons and nearly $7 billion in revenues, Peabody fuels 10 percent of U.S. power and 2 percent of worldwide electricity. Peabody Energy’s mission as a community partner is to improve lives through strategic social investments that empower communities, educate the next generation, reclaim, conserve and beautify the environment, and engage our employees to give back.