Co-workers and students congratulate Kim Gamble, left, a kindergarten teacher at New York School, after she received the Barbara Hodgson Dream to Achieve Award Thursday at the school. The award and fund were created in honor of a former New York School teacher. The award recognizes a teacher who provides a positive learning and caring environment for students.

One Lawrence elementary teacher ended the school year on an award-winning note.

Kim Gamble, a kindergarten teacher at New York School, is the first recipient of the Barbara Hodgson Dream to Achieve award.

Gamble, an 11-year teaching veteran, had no idea the award of $100 was coming her way Thursday.

“I’m flabbergasted,” she said. “I guess I want to know who did it and how I came to be the recipient because we have a lot of really great teachers here.”

The award honors Barbara Hodgson, a former New York School teacher turned Realtor. John McGrew, a former real estate executive, donated $5,000 to the Lawrence Schools Foundation to establish the award fund in Hodgson’s honor.

Only New York School teachers will be eligible for the annual award that looks to honor educators who give students a positive learning environment and work well with each student.

Before announcing Gamble as the winner, New York School Principal Nancy DeGarmo talked about Gamble’s work as a teacher, and DeGarmo was overcome with emotion.

Gamble said she was surprised at DeGarmo’s reaction.

“I thought, ‘Who is it? Because she must really like them!'” said Gamble. “That’s not like her.”

A plaque is being planned for the school to honor Gamble and all future award recipients.