"I love this age level," she told WEBO's Chris Schmidt. "Pre-school is just a lot of fun. And, it's really great to see the kids improve and grow and change. It's very rewarding."

 Luffman's classroom is at the Owego Elementary School (OES), but it wasn't always there. Her classroom was uprooted in April of last year after the Growing Years Day Care Center closed, moving her from the First Baptist Church in Owego to space the Racker Center had leased on North Avenue in Owego. But, four months later, the lease was given up and Luffman had to move her classroom again, this time to OES, where she's been for this school year. She was nominated for keeping her spirits up and working many extra hours to complete the various moves. 

 "I have a wonderful staff, I have a great team that I work with," Luffman said. "They were a lot of help and kept me sane. It doesn't matter where you are, you know what your goal is - working with the kids and having fun. That's always been the same." 

 Luffman has worked for Racker Center for eight years, and has been a teacher for 12 years.

 Luffman was presented with a trophy as well as gifts from WEBO's sponsors: Scott Smith and Son, Mister Koffee, the Laughing Place, HMK Clothing, Dunkin Donuts, Elmira Business Institute and the Haircolor Café. 

 All Southern Tier teachers are eligible for WEBO's Teacher of the Month award. One teacher is selected per month, through May, based on nominations submitted online at www.webo1330.com. All nominations received will be kept on file for the school year.

 The Radigan Broadcasting Group, a family company, purchased the WEBO 1330 last year and has re-launched the station with a local focus, and offer full, 24-hour coverage.