Amid the singing, dancing and laughter Friday night at Foundation Follies, the Lawrence school district took a moment to honor one of its best.

Frank Hoffman, fifth-grade teacher at Cordley School, was named 2003 Educator of the Year by Lawrence Schools Foundation.

The 30-year veteran of teaching received a $1,000 check.

“He brings lessons to life with his in-depth knowledge, stories and artifacts from around the world,” said Kim Bodensteiner, Cordley’s principal.

Hoffman’s students praised his ability to touch their lives.

“He showed me that an excellent educator must truly care and must attempt to reach each and every student,” said Michelle Andersen, a former student of Hoffman’s and now a teacher at West Junior High School.

Channette Kirby recalls that her son was struggling in school when he was assigned to Hoffman’s class in 1997.

“Unsure and scared, he entered Mr. Hoffman’s classroom to be completely changed forever,” Kirby said. “Every night was filled with what he learned in his classroom — long discussions about history, culture, science, geography and current events.”

Hoffman has taught fifth-grade at Cordley for 26 years. Prior to joining the district, he taught three years in Kansas City, Kan., and one year in Lecompton.

Presentation of the award at Liberty Hall came during intermission of the Foundation Follies, a variety show to raise money for Lawrence Schools Foundation.