photo by: Mike Yoder

Mike Pisani, a teacher at Hilltop, works with his class of first through 5th graders on creating crafts from Australia. Pisani has been a teacher at Hilltop for 22 years and each year teaches unique theme units. This year the students are taking a Jules Verne style balloon trip around the world, exploring other cultures.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Kathy Martin, a longtime teacher at Giving Tree Preschool, works with children on a craft exercise.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Susan Pomeroy has been a Lawrence Parks and Recreation instructor for nine years. Here, she leads Lawrence residents in dozens of classes involving swimming, Zumba and a recent Friday morning Spin-It bicycling class at the Community Building.

photo by: John Young

Mary Gauthier, pictured in March at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, coordinated the office education program at Lawrence High School from 1959 to 1986. In retirement, Gauthier volunteers at St. John's church and a local food pantry; she also keeps in touch with many of her former LHS students and colleagues.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Carolyn Landgrebe, a former first-grade and reading teacher now volunteers in school, at LINK and she delivers Meals on Wheels. Landgrebe was heading out on a delivery for Meals on Wheels, Monday, March 12, 2012.

photo by: Richard Gwin

In his time as a mentor, teacher and friend, it’s clear the kids loved Chuck Holley as much as he loved them.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Jake Thibodeau, works with autism students at both Lawrence and Free State high schools, and is loved by his students for his funny and energetic personality. Pictured at left, during a recent class at Lawrence High school is co-teacher Susie Micka.

photo by: Richard Gwin

South Middle School custodian Mike White is “kind of the glue of the building that holds things together,” says Tom Bracciano, division director of facilities and maintenance for Lawrence Public Schools.

photo by: Richard Gwin

Jim Carrothers, who teaches a literature course on baseball literature, says his upbringing as a St. Louis Cardinals fan stuck with him his whole life.