David Tenpenny, an instructor in Lawrence High’s automotive technology department, admitted Friday afternoon’s staff meeting was one of the few he actually had prepared for.

Turns out, he wasn’t as prepared as he thought. Tenpenny was one of two Lawrence teachers who were surprised Friday afternoon by Mayor Mike Rundle. Rundle, in a pair of ceremonies, honored Tenpenny and Diane Karpowitz, director of First Presbyterian Preschool, with the Mayor’s Excellence in Education awards.

Lawrence High School automotive teacher David Tenpenny, center is congratulated by LHS principal Steve Nilhas, left, and associate principal Matt Brungardt after Tenpenny was surprised with the Mayor's Excellence in Education award Friday.

“It is very unexpected,” Tenpenny said as Rundle interrupted the staged meeting. “I don’t have anything to say, and that is rare.”

Tenpenny, who has been a teacher at LHS eight years, said the award was a nice recognition for a sometimes undervalued profession.

“There are times you wonder if education is the right field to be in,” Tenpenny said. “There are times when you struggle, but there are also great rewards.”

6News video: LHS teacher wins mayor’s award (01-21-05)

At First Presbyterian Preschool, Karpowitz was equally surprised when she walked into the church’s sanctuary and was greeted by a round of applause from teachers and students.

“I need to let you know how much I love children,” Karpowitz said. “They keep me young. They’re just wonderful to be around.”

Diane Karpowitz, director of First Presby-terian Preschool, was one of two Lawrence teachers presented with the Mayor's Excellence in Education awards Friday.

Karpowitz has been the director of the school for the past five years and has been a teacher at the facility since 1989.

This is the third time the city has given the award. Rundle said it was important for teachers to know that the community respects and appreciates the job that they do.

“Educators are never recognized enough for the amount of work that they do,” Rundle said.

Tenpenny and Karpowitz were nominated by community members and were selected by a committee that included representatives from the City Commission and the school board.

The two educators each received a small trophy and will be recognized at future City Commission and school board meetings.