This year's Math Counts champion may have had an extra motivator: a friendly sibling rivalry.

A cafeteria worker of several years in the Poplar Bluff school system enjoyed serving students so much that she returned to college after 13 years to finish her teaching degree, becoming a first-generation graduate.

The Poplar Bluff Middle School will welcome its first Poplar Bluff native in 15 years to serve as principal for the upcoming school year.