Morgan Randle

Morgan Randle, a special education paraprofessional at Southwest Middle School, was presented this year’s Dedication to Education Award Thursday from the Lawrence Schools Foundation.

The award, which comes with $5,000, was established in 2007 to recognize an educator who, “goes the extra mile to help kids who need it most,” according to LSF.

Randall is the first paraeducator to win the award. Paraeducators are not licensed but typically do have to meet minimum educational and training requirements to work in a classroom alongside a licensed teacher.

Lawrence Superintendent Rick Doll presented the award during a school assembly.

“Morgan has been described by her coworkers as patient, kind-hearted and always smiling,” Doll said. “She handles some of the most challenging student behaviors calmly. She is a detail-oriented individual who takes on extra responsibilities and makes helpful suggestions for improving student programs.”

Randall joined the Lawrence district in 2011. She previously worked as a respite care worker for the state of Utah and took her coursework at Brigham Young University.

The Lawrence Schools Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization that raises money to enhance education programs in the Lawrence school district.