A high school dropout who became an English teacher after earning her high school equivalency diploma is being honored for her work in the classroom.

The Milken Family Foundation honored James Monroe High School teacher April Hobson Wednesday for exceptional contributions to quality education.

She is one of 50 teachers across the country to receive a $25,000 prize from the foundation.

The six-year teacher dropped out of school at age 17, but returned to school after her children entered the Monroe County School System.

Since its inception, the Milken Educator Awards have recognized more than 2,400 educators with more than $60 million.

©2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.