The Lawrence Public Schools wish to congratulate all the winners and nominees honored at Lawrence Rotary Teacher of the Year Awards Dinner, and thank the Club for its continued commitment to celebrating the district’s many talented teachers.
In the Middle/High School category, James Coyne of the Bruce School is Teacher of the Year and Christi Cartwright of the International High School won Rising Star. For Elementary School, Teacher of the Year Brigid Hegarty and Rising Star Jessica Karamourtopolus both come from Parthum Elementary.
There were 23 nominees in total honored at the event, which is in its 18th year. Attendees also enjoyed performances of “You Raise Me Up” by the Lawrence High Dance Department, as well as “Aida” and “You Will Be Found” by the Abbott Lawrence Academy Theater Program.
“The Lawrence Rotary Club and school department partnered to make this a terrific event — the teachers really enjoyed being entertained by our incredibly talented students,” said Lawrence Teachers Union President Frank McLaughlin. “We especially want to thank Rotary Club members Rachel Concepcion and Diane Shikrallah for making this a special night.”
Along with the Crystal Apple, Teachers of the Year receive $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school. Rising Star winners receive $500.
“The Rotary Club did an amazing job of celebrating teachers and the students they serve in the same night,” said LPS Superintendent Cynthia Paris. “Our schools are very lucky, not just to have so many great teachers, but also a community organization committed to recognizing them.”
