They resembled the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol.

Lawrence school Supt. Randy Weseman, representatives of the Lawrence Schools Foundation, district staff and school board members descended on a typical awards ceremony at West Junior High Friday.

Wielding cameras and a glossy poster-sized check for $10,000, they caught math teacher Kathy Wagner by surprise.

Wagner received the Bobs’ Award, an honor created by the Foundation and supported by benefactors who choose to remain anonymous. The civic leaders who created the award shared the first name Bob.

An unsuspecting Wagner sat calmly in the bleachers until clues made her realize she had won.

Weseman and Steve Glass, president of the Foundation Board of Trustees, said the winner was a woman, a Kansas University graduate and a 22-year veteran teacher.

Wagner gasped and brought a hand to her face in disbelief. As she descended the bleachers to receive the award, she wiped tears from her eyes.

“This is the first day (in 22 years) I’ve come to work and cried,” she said.

Officials called Wagner professional, caring, collaborative, flexible, and positive.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Kathy Wagner, this school, and this staff,” Weseman said.

Teachers like Wagner ordinarily might go unnoticed, Weseman said. The award brings their efforts to light.

“They want it to be a high-profile award that recognizes exemplary teaching,” he said.

6News video: West Junior High teacher wins $10,000 award

Wagner said she has two children who are Kansas University students, so some of the money will go to them.

“I’m in total shock,” she said.

Students rushed to congratulate Wagner. Ninth-grader Brittany Ford, a new student to the school, said she liked the way Wagner taught. She said Wagner helped make her transition to the new environment smooth.

“She’s one of my favorite teachers,” she said.