May 15 , 2008
Foundation to Present $10,000 Bobs' Award to Lawrence High Teacher
Contact: Susan Esau, Executive Director, 330-2790 or sesau@usd497

Lawrence Schools Foundation Board President Paige Hofer and Superintendent Randy Weseman will surprise a Lawrence teacher with a check for $10,000 during a school assembly at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, at Lawrence High School. (Reporters are invited to meet the presenters at 9:45 a.m. in the school office and proceed as a group to the school assembly.)
The Bobs’ Award is a teaching honor created through the Foundation by a group of civic leaders who share the same first name, Bob. The benefactors choose to remain anonymous to focus attention on the outstanding educators selected annually to receive the award. This year’s recipient is Deb Engstrom, Lawrence High School special education teacher.
“Deb is resourceful, innovative and positive each day she comes to work, and she is a strong voice in the building. I have often stated that if I were to start a school from scratch, I would begin by trying to hire Deb to work with me,” said Lawrence High Principal Dr. Steve Nilhas. “Many students know her not just as a teacher but as someone who is truly interested in their lives and activities. Her influence reaches well beyond the halls of LHS as she is likely to be in attendance whenever there is an athletic event, concert or play.”
Engstrom earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. She taught in Manhattan schools for eight years prior to joining Lawrence Public Schools. This is her 19th year at Lawrence High School, supporting students with special needs who receive special education services.
“Deb has been my son’s teacher and mentor for five years. He came to LHS with significant aggressive behavior and multiple other challenges. She accepted him, supported him, cared about him, and worked tirelessly for his success at school, at home and in the community,” wrote the mother of a former LHS student. “Although my son has been out of school for almost a year, he continues to see Deb weekly and call her at least once a week. She will remain a friend and strong ally throughout his life.”
“I don’t know how many times she has told me how she took one student to the doctor’s office, one stayed the night because their home environment wasn’t safe, she took another to the barber shop and another to buy a swimsuit because the suit the student had didn’t fit anymore,” said Brad Stoll, LHS adaptive physical education teacher and baseball coach. “Deb never assumes someone is going to take care of something; she just does it.”
“Very few people have the ability to make everyone around them feel special, and Deb does,” said Dirk Wedd, LHS physical education teacher and football/golf coach. “She brings a glow to the room as she walks in and makes everyone feel welcome. Her kids love her and respect her like they do no other teacher. She has made Lawrence High a better place.”
“Got a child with cerebral palsy who would love to swim and has never had the opportunity? Deb will work it out…Got a kid who doesn’t speak? Deb works out a way for that student to communicate….Got a pupil who hasn’t been in the community much? Deb has that kiddo riding the ‘T’ and exploring Lawrence…Got a teen who has grown out of his coat? Somehow there’s a coat on the rack…Whatever it takes; that’s Deb,” wrote Sue Neverve, LHS special education teacher.
The Foundation’s Bobs’ Award honors a teacher who “exemplifies extraordinary instruction skills; reflects commitment to quality education and dedication to teaching; focuses on individual student achievement; administers to the whole child, guiding each student to achieve his full potential; and is deemed to be proficient, caring, adaptable, and professional.”
Previous recipients of the Bobs’ Award include Sherry Vratil, Wakarusa Valley Elementary; Mary Chapman, Free State High; Kathy Wagner, West Junior High; Paula Barr, Hillcrest Elementary; Kathy Rathbun, Langston Hughes Elementary; Brian “Chip” Anderson, Central Junior High; Pamela Bushouse, Free State High; Sue Siegfreid, Woodlawn Elementary; Victoria Beals, South Junior High; and Val Howland, Broken Arrow Elementary.
The Lawrence Schools Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization committed to enhancing the education provided to all students by the Lawrence Public Schools. Through the generation and management of gifts, the Foundation seeks to promote and enhance innovative teaching and learning opportunities, the recognition of teachers and staff, the recognition and encouragement of student achievements, and effective early childhood programs. 

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