Vicksburg’s 2011 top teachers share the philosophy that kids need to be prepared for life, work and the real world.

Named at the annual Chamber of Commerce membership banquet and awards ceremony Tuesday night were Merri “Wyn” Pratt, Redwood Elementary School music teacher, and Jennifer George Grey, government and history teacher at Vicksburg High School.

Grey and Pratt were initially nominated for their honors by their fellow teachers and then chosen as the Chamber’s Educators of the Year from 17 nominees by a panel of six retired educators.