Leanne Milleret didn’t think about what might happen when she wrote a letter to Wal-Mart last year about one of her favorite teachers, Jan Dicker.

But Leanne found out Friday.

Dicker, who teaches fourth grade at Sunset Hill School, was recognized Friday as Wal-Mart’s Teacher of the Year for Kansas during an assembly at the school, 901 Schwarz Road.

“I’m very honored and humbled by this award,” Dicker said. “And when an award comes from a student, it makes it really special.”

With the honor comes a $10,000 educational grant for Sunset Hill and three new computers.

“It’s great to be a part of something like this and recognize someone who helps shape the future of our community,” said local Wal-Mart store manager Richard Chapelle, who attended the assembly. He helped present the check and computers, along with a plaque and jacket, to Dicker. She has taught for about 30 years.

Leanne, 13, said she was happy Dicker received the honor.

“She was an awesome teacher,” she said. “She really helped me.”

Dicker said she was glad to see teachers receive recognition for their efforts.

“Most teachers work really hard, and when there are programs like this I think it makes the public more aware of teachers,” she said.

Wal-Mart’s teacher of the year program began in 1995. The company has honored more than 22,000 teachers nationwide and donated more than $14.5 million to local schools. Dicker was the first Lawrence teacher to receive the statewide honor.