Jordan Boyd, Free State High School history teacher, holds her nephew, Rhoan Boyd, 3, during a ceremony at Free State Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, where Boyd was named as this year's recipient of the Lawrence Horizon Award for secondary teachres, which is given to outstanding teachers in their second year of teaching.

When her mother, sister, nephew, principal and superintendent all walked into her just-underway first-hour AP U.S. History class this morning at Free State High School, teacher Jordan Boyd looked — understandably — confused.

But the cavalcade included a shiny balloon and a container of brownies, so it was a safe bet they weren’t bearing bad news.

Lawrence public schools Superintendent Rick Doll explained.

Boyd was the winner of the district’s 2015-16 secondary level Horizon Award recognizing exemplary new teachers in their second year of teaching.

“I’ve had my ear to the ground,” Doll said, “…and we’ve heard a lot of positive things about your teaching.”

Jordan Boyd, Free State High School history teacher, holds her nephew, Rhoan Boyd, 3, during a ceremony at Free State Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, where Boyd was named as this year's recipient of the Lawrence Horizon Award for secondary teachres, which is given to outstanding teachers in their second year of teaching.

Boyd’s ability to be reflective, willingness to accept feedback, professionalism, strong knowledge base, high expectations of students and passion for the job all were praised in her nominations, Doll said. That, and her energy.

Phillip Mitchell, Free State history department chairman, said in a news release from the district that Boyd was one of the most energetic people in the building. “It is easy for me to forget that she has only a year of experience under her belt given the presence she has already brought to our building and our school community.”

In addition to the honor, Boyd was presented with a $250 check from Truity Credit Union. She and the school district’s elementary winner — expected to be announced Wednesday — will be nominated for the Kansas State Department of Education’s Kansas Horizon Award program.

Boyd said she teaches because she loves history and loves people, and teaching is a great way to combine the two. She said her advanced placement history students, especially, are always asking questions that push her own understanding.

“They keep me on my toes constantly,” she said. “I can learn from them, and they can learn from me, and that’s just a beautiful thing.”