Deb Engstrom, Lawrence High school special education teacher, hugs her granddaughter Rejjin Jackson, 6, after Engstrom was named the recipient of the Bobs' Award during an LHS assembly on Thursday. The award is a teaching honor given through the Lawrence Schools Foundation by a group of civic leaders who share the same first name and an appreciation for education in Lawrence.

The 2008 Bobs’ Award winner almost missed the assembly meant for her. Instead, she wanted to do something that shows why she won $10,000 for outstanding teaching.

Deb Engstrom, a special education teacher at Lawrence High School, was going to drive a student to work because he didn’t have any other way to get there.

“I asked the office staff if it was OK if I missed the assembly,” she said. “They said no. : So, here I am – and boy, am I glad.”

Engstrom is the 12th winner of the Bobs’ Award, one funded by civic leaders who share the same first name and appreciation for education in Lawrence.

“We have 17 Bobs now,” said Susan Esau, the executive director for the Lawrence Schools Foundation. “They just completely believe in supporting the teachers of public education, and they do this from the heart.”

Engstrom knew the Bobs’ Award was hers after hearing the words “University of Iowa,” her alma mater, and seeing her granddaughter in the crowd.

“I’m not one that cries a lot, but this really got to my heart because my colleagues value what I do, then all the students showed up from the past,” Engstrom said.

Many teachers at LHS, including principal Steve Nilhas, nominated Engstrom, along with some parents of former teachers.

“She’s a remarkable individual. Tireless. An advocate for kids,” Nilhas said. “She’s just an amazing, bright, hardworking and just totally dedicated teacher.”

The winners are encouraged to do something for themselves with the money, but the meaning behind the cash is what speaks to Engstrom.

“I’m not going to turn it down,” she said, “but it represents a group of people that value education and value the work that teachers do and that’s awesome.”

The Bobs’ Award was created in 1996. The Bobs decided to remain anonymous to focus the attention on the educators that receive the honor, rather than on themselves.

The award is given through the Lawrence Schools Foundation.