From left to right: Superintendant Rick Doll, Laura Hochman, Jordan Schuette of Truity Credit Union and South Middle School principal Jennifer Bessolo.

The Kansas State Department of Education on Friday awarded Laura Hochman, an English language arts teacher at South Middle School, with the Horizon Award, which recognizes exceptional first-year educators.

A total of 32 educators from around the state were honored with the award. Districts can nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher. Lawrence schools nominated Hochman and Mark Buckman, a special education teacher at Pinckney Elementary, in September.

In a statement from September, South Middle principal Jennifer Bessolo said, “Laura has excellent rapport with her students, knows her students on a personal level, and dedicates time before, during and after school to help make them successful.

“She is a dedicated young professional, eager to take on new challenges and to ‘be the change’ in education right now.”

Hochman and Buchman received a $250 cash prize from Truity Credit Union after being nominated by the district.

To be eligible for the award, teachers must have completed their first year of teaching while distinguishing themselves.