These are my favorite news articles – those that show industry's commitment to the communities they operate in.

I previously blogged about HollyFrontier donating to Boys & Girls Club in Wyoming and Baker Hughes announcing a $1 million grant to the University of Wyoming. But, oil companies and oilfield service companies are not the only industry players who give back to their communities.

Arch Coal Foundation has reportedly kicked off its Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards program in West Virginia and Wyoming – two states where Arch has significant coal mining operations.

Coal has been the backbone of the Wyoming economy for generations; in fact, Wyoming has reportedly been the nation's leading coal producer since 1986, providing about 40% of America's coal from mines producing in the Powder River Basin. Arch Coal has two operations in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, Black Thunder and Coal Creek.

Arch's program is aimed at honoring teachers who have achieved outstanding success in the classroom. More about the program: The Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards Program is the longest-running, privately sponsored teacher recognition program in both West Virginia and Wyoming. It provides 10 recipients in each state with a $3,500 personal cash award. Program nominations, which can be made online at www.archteacherawards.com, will close Jan. 4, 2016.

It is wonderful to see Arch Coal honoring Wyoming teachers in a state that has historically been such a major coal producer.

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