Paige Hofer, left, of the Lawrence Schools Foundation helps present a 0,000 check to Sherry Vratil, a sixth-grade teacher at Wakarusa Valley School. Vratil has been a teacher in the Lawrence school district for 29 years, including five at Wakarusa Valley. On Monday she learned she was the winner of this year's Bobs' Award.

This letter from one of Sherry Vratil's students is one of many sent as part of the nomination for the Bobs' Award. Along with her 0,000 prize, Vratil was presented a notebook filled with letters of support from students, their parents and her colleagues.

Wakarusa Valley School sixth-grade teacher Sherry Vratil thought Monday morning’s assembly was a farewell announcement for a longtime counselor.

When Vratil heard her name announced as a Bobs’ Award winner, all she could do was put her hand over her heart. The gymnasium filled with applause as Vratil slowly made her way to the front.

“I cannot believe this is real,” Vratil said. “I am so grateful to have the privilege to be their teacher.”

According to the Lawrence Schools Foundation, the Bobs’ Award is given to an outstanding teacher who “exemplifies extraordinary instruction skills : and reflects commitment to quality education.” The award was started by a group of community leaders who all share the name Bob but wish to remain anonymous.

A $10,000 check was presented to Vratil. She wasn’t sure what to do with the money, but Lawrence school district Superintendent Randy Weseman had some suggestions.

“You can take a vacation or buy all of your kids pizza,” Weseman joked.

Wakarusa Valley Principal Elias Espinoza said Vratil sets the standard for teaching excellence.

“With Ms. Vratil’s help (the students) have done a lot of community outreach programs,” he said. “They did a collection, ‘Books for Ethiopia,’ because of her.”

Vratil also received a notebook filled with letters of support from her students, their parents and her colleagues, both past and present.

As surprised as Vratil was to receive the award, she immediately dedicated it to her “terrific” students, who she said made her job easier.

“They keep me going,” she said. “I credit them more than myself for this.”