May 21 , 2008
New Award for New York Elementary Teachers
Contact: Susan Esau, Executive Director, 330-2790 or sesau@usd497

Barbara Hodgson sells real estate these days, but once upon a time, she taught kindergarten at New York Elementary School.  She knows, firsthand, the rewards and challenges of being a teacher.  To honor Barbara, a new fund has been established at the Lawrence Schools Foundation to provide the annual “Barbara Hodgson Dream to Achieve Award.”  This award will recognize a New York Elementary teacher who provides a positive learning and caring environment for the entire New York school community, recognizes the unique qualities of every student and works to bring out the best in every student, parent, and staff member. 
            John McGrew, lifelong Lawrence resident, recently contributed $5,000 to establish the award fund in Barbara’s honor as a former educator.  John believes in supporting our public school educators and hopes that establishing this fund will encourage others to do the same with the Foundation for other schools in the district.
            On Thursday, May 22, at 3:20 pm, the first award will be presented to an unsuspecting teacher at New York Elementary.  The teacher will be recognized with a $100 cash award in an all-school assembly.  A plaque is planned that will include the name of this year’s recipient, and future recipients, and will be displayed in the school.  The public is welcome to attend this award presentation.
The Lawrence Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that raises money to enrich the education of the students in the Lawrence Public Schools.  The Foundation seeks to promote and enhance effective early childhood education, innovative teaching and learning opportunities, recognition of outstanding educators, and encouragement of student achievement.

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