A SCHOOL governor from Okehampton College has been short-listed for a national award. Paul Adams, who has been a governor at the college for around four years, is one of three finalists for the DCSF award for Governor of the Year. He will be among a host of education stars from schools across the South West who will shine as finalists at the 2008 Teaching Awards. Applause and praise will greet the announcement of their names on June 25 at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay. The finalists, in eleven categories, will be cheered on by pupils, parents and colleagues during a ceremony hosted by BBC presenter Justin Leigh. Celebrating ten years of recognition for unsung heroes, the awards will focus on 33 finalists — headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants, governors and school staff — from the South West. Each winner will receive a 'Plato', the awards' symbol of excellence in education. Mr Adams said it was an honour to have been nominated. 'I don't do it for recognition, I do it because I want to help, said Mr Adams. 'I am willing to help out as and when I am needed and I don't expect any praise, so when I found out I was nominated it came as a complete shock.' Congratulating the shortlisted finalists, Caroline Evans, chief executive of the Teaching Awards, said: 'The influence of these outstanding individuals on the lives of children and their families cannot be underestimated. 'Society needs to recognise their contribution and that teaching is a fulfilling career. 'The Teaching Awards is a great way to say thank you and we are proud to recognise such excellence and passion.' On October 19 winners from the South West across Britain will gather at a top London theatre for the star-studded UK ceremony, televised by the BBC. The awards were founded by Lord Puttnam in 1998 to focus on inspired professionals who make the positive achievements of pupils possible.